Why do I have to wait so long for a green light on a side street?
In order to have coordinated traffic signals, each traffic signal in the group must be able to allow the green light for all movements during a common fixed time period. The time period chosen is usually determined by the largest intersection with the most different movements. This will most often be an intersection that has protected left turn arrows for all directions and wide cross streets. For that reason, the time period that is fixed for each traffic signal (the cycle length) may be rather long.

So, if you are waiting for a green light to cross the coordinated street where there are protected left-turn arrows and there is very light traffic on the side street, chances are good that you will feel like you are waiting for a long time, even though you should rarely have to wait any longer than about two minutes.

Show All Answers

1. Why do I have to wait so long for a green light on a side street?
2. How do I report a problem with a traffic signal, lane markings, or traffic signs?
3. What should a driver do when approaching an intersection in which the traffic signal is not working?
4. How is the placement of traffic signals determined?
5. What is a Traffic Signal Warrant?
6. What are the Traffic Signal Warrants?
7. What is the justification for a left turn arrow?
8. How do pedestrian signals work?
9. Is it really necessary for me to push a button to activate the pedestrian signal, or can I just wait for the light to change?
10. Why does it always say "don't walk" before I've completed crossing the street?
11. Can I count on a safe crossing if I carefully follow the pedestrian signals?
12. What are the pedestrian rights and responsibilities when walking along or crossing a street?
13. When is a crosswalk unsafe?
14. Do marked crosswalks provide better pedestrian safety than unmarked crosswalks?
15. Why are the words "walk" and "don't walk" being replaced by symbols?
16. What is the roadside clear zone?
17. Why can't we use speed bumps on our block?
18. Are traffic control devices on private property required to meet State standards?
19. What is Florida law in regard to school speed zones and school buses?