It has the same meaning as the circular green for the left turning driver.

But it has a very different meaning for the driver who is NOT turning left.

This is why the flashing yellow arrow was created. There is a need to separate the turning movement from other movements, with a separate signal indication for each.

Some changes in the manual regarding this topic:

- Flashing yellow arrows 4-section face now the standard signal for protected/permissive left turn signals.

- Flashing yellow arrow means turn after yielding to opposing traffic.

- Flashing red arrow means turn after stop.

- Doghouse still allowed, but restricted to placement to the right of the lane line between left turn and thru lanes.

- Yellow trap must be eliminated or signed (as in 2003 edition, but no grace period).

- Dallas Phasing no longer allowed.

- No circular green allowed over or in line with the left turn lane.

- No circular red allowed on exclusive left turn signals. Must have red arrow.

- Exclusive turn signal not allowed if no exclusive turn lane exists.

I just saw a draft version of the new Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. It prohibits circular green and circular red indications on separate left turn signal faces.

Flashing yellow arrows are now in use in 35 states (all except IL IN ME ND NE NY OH OK PA RI SC SD TN WV),

Six states (AK MI MN OR TX WA) now require flashing yellow arrows for all new installations where it can be safely used.

There is a dangerous sequence called yellow trap that many traffic signals display. It happens when the signals turn yellow in one direction, but remain green for the opposite direction on the same street. By keeping the yellow arrow flashing while the main signals are yellow or red, it keeps the left turning driver from turning across traffic that still has a green light.