What is the purpose of a flashing yellow traffic light?

A flashing yellow traffic light serves as a warning to drivers about a potentially hazardous situation ahead, signaling them to exercise caution. It is not an indication that drivers must stop or that they can proceed without any consideration for their surroundings. Instead, it encourages drivers to be alert for possible dangers such as pedestrians, intersections where other vehicles might be crossing, or road work.

In contrast, signals indicating a mandatory stop or a possible change in traffic conditions, like a light turning red or requiring a complete stop, do not apply to a flashing yellow, further reinforcing the unique role of this signal in promoting safety through awareness rather than outright stopping.