Flashing Yellow Arrow

The RTC and its member entities, in cooperation with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), have launched a Pilot Program to install the new Flashing Yellow Arrow left turn signals at selected intersections around the Valley.

What’s the purpose of the Pilot Program? 
The Pilot Program is the first phase of a multi-year project that will convert existing Protected/Permissive left turn signals throughout the Las Vegas Valley from the existing 5-section displays (OLD) to the 4-section Flashing Yellow Arrow displays (NEW).

From this (OLD):	To this (NEW):

When will the rest of the Protected/Permissive intersections be changed over Valley-wide?
The schedule for the Valley-wide change over is dependent on funding availability. The table below is updated as construction contracts and schedules are announced by the entities:

What’s a Protected/Permissive left turn signal?
Protected/Permissive left-turn traffic controls increase the left-turn capacity and reduce delay at intersections by providing an exclusive turn phase for left turns as well as a phase during which left turns can be made as opposing traffic will allow.  (Source: NCHRP Report 493, Foreword).

What do the signals mean, and how do I drive through them?
Traffic signals and correct driver behavior when driving through them are described on page 22 of the Nevada Driver’s Manual.

Why the change-over from the 5-section display to the 4-section Flashing Yellow Arrow display?
A National Study found that the Flashing Yellow Arrow’s left turn display was easier for drivers to understand than the circular green indication (aka “the green ball”) in the left turn lane (see page 10 of the study).

Links:
NDOT’s Flashing Yellow Arrow webpage 
National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 493 – Evaluation of Traffic Signal Displays for Protected/Permissive Left-Turn Control
Frequently Asked Questions – Part 4 Highway Traffic Signals – FHWA MUTCD
USA TODAY Article – Yellow left-turn signals get their chance to shine