A flashing yellow light at an intersection means you should slow down and proceed with caution. Drivers facing a flashing yellow light are permitted by law to proceed through the intersection without stopping, but it is good practice to be defensive and check for other drivers who may not adhere to traffic safety rules. A flashing yellow light does not necessarily mean that the traffic light is out of order. Instead, it may be used permanently at some intersections or during times of low traffic volume at others.