Although it was introduced in Romania many years ago, the flashing green light on the right still confuses some drivers. For example, at such an intersection, if the flashing green light is not on, are you allowed to make a right turn?
Traffic lights have been introduced into the traffic system for over 120 years. Originally, it had only two colors, red and green. The lamps were operated manually, with the help of a switch, which turned on one of the two lights.
Like now, red means you have to stop. If it’s green, you have the right to pass.
Of course, the traffic light system has become much more complex and new systems have appeared, such as flashing green on the right.
What is the right flashing light rule?
When the main traffic light is red, the green flashing light on the right gives you the right to enter the intersection if you turn right after giving priority to pedestrians and other vehicles.
„When a three-color traffic light has an additional flashing green light, mounted at the same level as the normal green light of the traffic light, in the form of a green arrow on a black background with the tip pointing to the right, its illumination signifies permission for vehicles to proceed on their way in the direction indicated by the arrow, regardless of the color of the electric traffic light, provided priority is given to vehicles and pedestrians who have the right of way”, it is specified in Art. 59 (4) of the traffic law.
But in practice, there are quite a few drivers who get confused in these situations. Either they don’t give priority to pedestrians or other drivers. Either blocks the right turn lane, they go forward.
If the right flashing green light is out, are you allowed to make the turn?
The flashing green traffic light on the right should be treated like any other traffic light. That is, depending on the indicated color, drivers have the right to pass or not.
If the green flashing light on the right is off, then drivers must follow the signal of the main traffic light. Or by the road signs placed at that intersection.
And if there is no indicator, then the right-hand priority rule applies. That is, it must give priority to all vehicles entering the intersection from the right.
There may be situations when, for example, the authorities have determined that the flashing green light only works during certain hours, when it is more crowded. Or to activate in relation to other light indicators.
Thus, if the main traffic light is “red” and the flashing green one is off, it means that you do not have the right to turn right, even if you give priority to those who have this right.
Source: www.promotor.ro
