Department of Transportation

Taipei City Traffic Engineering Office (hereinafter referred to as the TEO) has requested drivers to abide by traffic signals when traveling through intersections. At intersections with flashing traffic lights, abide by the principle of “branch traffic giving way to arterial traffic” in order to ensure safety at intersections.
At present, the two main operation modes of Taipei City’s intersection traffic signals are full day flashing and flashing during certain hours. Flashing during certain hours is mostly used at junctions near school premises or at junctions where there is a large difference in pedestrian and vehicle flows during different hours of the day. The 3-color traffic light mode is used during the hours of commuting to and from work and school, while the flashing mode is used during the remaining hours to reduce stopping and waiting time for vehicles, as well as to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
The TEO explains that a flashing yellow light means “warning”, and vehicles should reduce speed upon approaching, be cautious and cross safely; a flashing red light means “stop and drive”, so vehicles should reduce speed upon approaching, stop before the intersection, and travel through the intersection after giving way to traffic from the arterial route and having ensured that it is safe. In Taipei City, in order to reduce vehicles’ stopping and waiting time during off-peak hours, many traffic signals change into the flashing mode, especially during late night. The TEO has appealed to drivers to abide by traffic rules, reduce speed and watch out for vehicles from both the left and right while crossing intersections, in order to maintain traffic safety.
Also, at intersections with “stop” or “give way” signs (wordings), branch traffic should give way to arterial traffic, in the same way as at a flashing red light.

2013-08-01