What does a flashing red light mean for drivers?
A flashing red light traffic signal confuses drivers, especially new and inexperienced ones. Flashing red lights are often used at intersections or railroad crossings to alert drivers of potential danger. Plus, if a traffic light isn’t working properly, it will flash red. A red flashing light functions like a stop sign, meaning drivers must come to a complete stop and then proceed with caution. Basically, it serves as a 4-way stop sign at intersections.
Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other vehicles at the intersection before continuing. It’s important to make sure the intersection is clear to avoid any potential accidents or collisions.
What do you need to do when you encounter a flashing red light?
- Complete Stop: Just like at a stop sign, you must come to a full stop at a flashing red light.
- Where to Stop: Stop at the clearly marked stop line or, if none exists, before entering the intersection.
- Right-of-Way: When multiple vehicles approach an intersection with flashing red lights, the general rule is that the first vehicle to arrive has the right-of-way. If it’s unclear who arrived first, the rule of yielding to the vehicle on the right helps maintain order and safety. This is similar to the standard right-of-way rule at stop signs or uncontrolled intersections.
- It’s important to remember that even when you have the right-of-way, you should always be cautious and make sure other drivers are yielding to you before proceeding. Safety is the top priority!
- Proceed with Caution: After stopping, ensure it’s safe to proceed, and yield to pedestrians and vehicles with the right-of-way.
Flashing red light violations: Fines and Points on License and Insurance Impact
It’s always important to stop at flashing red lights because not only does it promote safety, but it also helps avoid costly fines and potential issues with your driving record.
- Fine: In Georgia, failing to stop at a flashing red light is considered a misdemeanor traffic violation. The fine can be as high as $1,000. However, most of the time, fines for such violations are typically in the range of $200 to $250.
- Points on Your License: A violation can add three points to your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to further consequences, such as higher insurance rates or even a suspension of your license.
- Insurance Impact: The points on your license and the violation itself can lead to an increase in your insurance premiums. Insurance companies may view you as a higher-risk driver, which could result in higher costs for your coverage.
What to do if you get a ticket for a flashing red light violation
Pay the Ticket:
- Online: Many jurisdictions allow you to pay your ticket online via their website. This is the easiest and quickest option if you accept the violation and are willing to pay the fine.
- In Person: If you’d prefer, you can pay the ticket in person at the designated courthouse or traffic division.
- By Mail: In some cases, you may also be able to pay by mail, so check the ticket for any instructions.
Contest the Ticket:
- Court Appearance: If you believe the ticket was issued in error or you have a valid defense, you can contest the ticket in court. You would need to schedule a hearing date and present your case to a judge.
- Possible Outcomes: Depending on the evidence and the circumstances, the judge may dismiss the ticket, reduce the fine, or find you guilty and impose penalties.
Take a Defensive Driving Course:
People often take a state-certified Defensive Driving course for the below reasons.
- Ticket dismissal – Many judges in Georgia will dismiss or not process a moving violation ticket if the offender completes a state-certified, six-hour course Defensive Driving course. This means the ticket won’t be reported to insurance or appear on the driver’s record.
- Fine and point reduction – Under Georgia law, some courts allow offenders to complete a course, resulting in a 20% fine reduction and no points added to the driver’s record.
- Points removal – Drivers may take the course once every five years to remove seven points from their driving record.
Additional Considerations:
- Deadline: Make sure to pay or contest the ticket before the due date to avoid late fees or other penalties.
- Insurance: Keep in mind that a violation can affect your insurance rates, so it’s a good idea to explore all options to mitigate the impact on your driving record.
Taking action quickly is important to ensure you don’t face additional consequences or missed deadlines.
Defensive Driving at Drive Smart Georgia
If you’re looking to take a Georgia state certified defensive driving course, Drive Smart Georgia has you covered. Our 6-hour course is fully approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and meets all state requirements.
Flexible Learning Options
To fit your busy schedule, we offer two convenient formats:
- In-Person Classes: Held in a traditional classroom setting at our Cumming location.
- Zoom Classes: Attend the course virtually from the comfort of your home, available to anyone in Georgia.
Both formats include the full 6 hours of instruction required by Georgia law and provide the same certification upon completion.
Weekly Class Schedules
- Choose between 1-day or 2-day options for greater flexibility.
- Classes are available weekly, so you can easily find a time that works for you.
CLICK HERE for more information about Defensive Driving at Drive Smart Georgia or to register for a class.
CLICK HERE to subscribe to our free newsletter for teen driving tips and sales alerts.
Related articles:
- How to take an online Georgia defensive driving course?
- Defensive Driving is now available at Drive Smart Georgia
- Who needs to take a Georgia defensive driving course?