Is it OK in GA to drive through yellow traffic lights? Here’s what the law says
A yellow light means slow down, right? Or does it mean go faster? Well, all of us get confused sometimes, but the traffic laws in Georgia are pretty clear. Here’s what yellow lights mean and if it’s OK to drive through them or not:
Is it OK to drive through a yellow light in GA?
In short, yes. But there are some things to know:
According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, drivers approaching a yellow light should “slow down and prepare to stop” because the light is about to turn red.
The law specifically states that a yellow light means that a “green movement is being terminated or that a red indication will be exhibited immediately thereafter when vehicular traffic shall not enter the intersection.”
But what happens if there’s not enough time to stop or what if stopping could possibly cause an accident?
“If you cannot stop in time and can safely enter the intersection before the light turns red, you are not violating the law,” said experts at the Butler Kahn law firm.
You’re not violating the law in this case because traffic has not already started on the other side of the intersection via a green light.
Do you have more questions? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
