What is indicated by a yellow traffic light?

A yellow traffic light signals to drivers that they should prepare to stop. It serves as a warning that the light is about to change to red, which indicates that vehicles need to come to a complete stop before the intersection. The primary purpose of a yellow light is to alert drivers that they should begin to decelerate and not proceed through the intersection unless they are already too close to safely stop.

This warning allows drivers time to react appropriately and ensures the safety of all road users. Understanding that a yellow light is not an invitation to speed up or clear the intersection is crucial for preventing accidents. By alerting drivers in advance, it creates a safer driving environment as drivers have time to evaluate their ability to stop safely or proceed if they are too close to the intersection.