In Michigan, why do traffic light turn lanes have flashing red and green arrows?

That is an old Michigan traffic signal operation.

If I remember correctly, this unique operation was only used in this state. The traffic signals that control left turn lanes of signalized intersections are normally protected left turn traffic signals. At the end of a protected left turn movement, a protected left turn traffic signal would begin to flash red. This would occur while "thru" traffic signals were green. The flashing red "ball" simply meant that a driver must come to a complete stop before he or she makes a left turn. A steady red "ball" has a different meaning altogether. That would mean that a driver would have to come to a complete stop. He or she would not be able to proceed unless indicated to do so.

As far as I understand, this particular traffic signal operation was a normal Michigan traffic signal standard. Although, recently, the standards for traffic signals in the state have been revised. As a result, the traffic signal operation was in a sense banned.

Nowadays, a different form of a left turn/protected traffic signal exists at many signalized intersections in the state of Michigan. This is composed of four indications. From top to bottom...Red Arrow/Yellow Arrow/ Additional Yellow Arrow/ Green Arrow. The third indication (which is the second yellow arrow) always flashes when "thru" traffic signals are green. This simply indicates to drives to proceed with caution before making a left turn. A steady green arrow means drivers in the left turn lane have the right-of-way. A steady left turn arrow means that the protected left turn movement is about to come to an end. And, finally, of course, a steady red arrow means to come to a full stop.

Hopefully this all makes sense to you. :-)

Flashing Red Arrow

If there was a line before the turn he IS RIGHT. That's why both red & arrow are on at the same time. There is an intersection in Boise, Idaho like that. But there is also a sign saying ~stop here first before turning.~ The street on the left giues all three lanes an arrow in the light cycle. Good luck. Tell the judge there should be sign like the one I told you about. Red light tickets aren't cheap! Never got onei Thank God.

Michigan Left Turn

red means stop and green means go/whats so hard about that???