J. Hartley | November 13, 2026 | Car Accidents
In California, a flashing red traffic light means you must come to a complete stop before proceeding. Drivers must treat it like a stop sign, yielding to vehicles and pedestrians who have the right-of-way. Failing to stop can lead to a traffic violation and increase the risk of a serious collision.
Understanding how flashing traffic signals work can help you avoid accidents and determine who may be responsible when a crash occurs.
The Short Answer: Treat a Flashing Red Light Like a Stop Sign
Under California Vehicle Code § 21457(a), drivers approaching a flashing red traffic signal must stop before entering the intersection and follow the same rules that apply to stop signs.
This means you should:
- Come to a complete stop before the marked limit line or crosswalk.
- Check for approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
- Yield to traffic that has the right-of-way.
- Proceed only when it is safe to do so.
A flashing red light does not mean you can simply slow down and continue driving. You must stop, even if the intersection appears empty.
Flashing Red vs. Flashing Yellow Lights
Flashing red and flashing yellow signals have different meanings under California law.
- Flashing red light: You must stop completely and yield the right-of-way before proceeding when safe
- Flashing yellow light: You may proceed without stopping, but you must slow down as needed and exercise caution
California Vehicle Code § 21457(b) requires drivers approaching a flashing yellow signal to proceed with caution.
For example, an intersection may have flashing red lights facing one direction and flashing yellow lights facing another. Drivers facing red must stop and yield to traffic approaching on the flashing yellow signal.
What to Do When a Traffic Signal Is Completely Out
A completely dark traffic signal is different from a flashing red light. Under California Vehicle Code § 21800(d), drivers approaching an intersection with an inoperative traffic signal must stop before entering, unless another traffic control device directs otherwise.
When a signal is out, drivers should:
- Come to a complete stop at the intersection
- Yield to vehicles that arrived first
- Yield to the vehicle on the right when vehicles arrive at the same time
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists before proceeding
Drivers should never assume that other motorists will stop. Approaching the intersection cautiously can help prevent a collision.
Who Is at Fault in a Crash at a Flashing Red Light?
Fault in a flashing red light accident generally depends on which driver violated traffic laws or failed to exercise reasonable care. A driver who fails to stop at a flashing red signal may be responsible for a collision.
However, fault is not always automatic. Investigators may consider each driver’s actions, the traffic signals, visibility, and other circumstances surrounding the crash.
Right-of-Way at a Four-Way Flashing Red
When all directions have flashing red signals, drivers must stop and follow the rules that apply at an all-way stop.
Generally, the vehicle that arrives first has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive at approximately the same time from different directions, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
Drivers making left turns must also yield to approaching vehicles when required by California law. Even when you have the right-of-way, you must exercise reasonable care to avoid a collision.
When Both Drivers Share Fault
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning more than one driver can share responsibility for an accident.
For example, one driver may fail to stop at a flashing red light while another approaches the intersection at an unsafe speed. Both drivers could be assigned a percentage of fault based on their actions.
Under California’s comparative negligence rule, an injured person may still recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for the crash. However, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
Can the City Be Liable for a Malfunctioning Signal?
Yes. A city or another government agency may be liable for a crash caused by a malfunctioning traffic signal under certain circumstances. However, a malfunction alone does not automatically establish government liability.
Under California Government Code § 835, a public entity may be responsible for injuries caused by a dangerous condition of public property when the legal requirements for liability are met.
Factors that may be relevant include:
- Whether the traffic signal created a dangerous condition
- Whether the government agency knew or should have known about the problem
- How long the signal had been malfunctioning
- Whether the malfunction contributed to the collision
- Whether the agency had a reasonable opportunity to address the hazard
Claims against government entities have special deadlines. Under California Government Code § 911.2, personal injury claims generally must be presented within six months of the date the claim accrues.
Talk to an El Segundo Car Accident Lawyer
A collision at a flashing red light in El Segundo, California, can raise questions about right-of-way, driver negligence, and whether a malfunctioning signal contributed to the accident. Determining responsibility may require reviewing traffic laws, witness statements, and other evidence.
At J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we have 20 years of combined legal experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured clients. Our team provides personalized attention, clear communication, and thorough case preparation.
If you were injured in an intersection accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an El Segundo car accident attorney.
J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers
880 Apollo St, El Segundo, CA 90245
(323) 284-2834