What does "advanced green" mean at a stoplight in the US?

Question

There s a intersection with a stoplight outside one of my apartment entrances and it has an "advanced green" sign hanging next to the light. A lot of people will take this exit when the road outside the main entrance gets too backed up in the morning to make a left turn, so at this "advanced green" light people will usually makes left turns. One time I used it a while ago, and the light turned green. Even though there was no green arrow, and there was traffic on the opposite side of the light, the people in front of me still turned without yielding, so I hesitated for a second, but the oncoming traffic was still sitting there so I went. So is it essentially a green arrow?

Dan B · Answer

It means that you will get a green light before traffic on the opposite side of the intersection will get a green light.  In my opinion, this could be dangerous because the traffic on the opposite side of the intersection will get a green without your knowledge (I presume there's no advanced warning for traffic on your side of the intersection).  If you're turning, there could be a collision.

Another type that is similar is a "Delayed Green".  That means you will not get a green light at the same time as the traffic on the opposite side of the intersection.  Your green light will be delayed so don't assume the signals are malfunctioning.

StephenWeinstein · Answer

Not exactly. It means that the two sides don't get green lights at the same time. While your side gets a green light, if the traffic on the opposite side doesn't start, then you assume they have a red light, and you can go, carefully.

However, at some point, their light will turn green and they will start coming. You need to be ready to stop when that happens.

However, at some point, their light will turn green and they will start coming.  You need to be ready to stop when that happens.

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What does "advanced green" mean at a stoplight in the US?

2 Answers