Caltrans adds pedestrian beacon to San Mateo

The pedestrian hybrid beacon signal starts dark. Traffic is free to move until a pedestrian presses the button to cross. When the pedestrian activates the signal, approaching cars will see a flashing yellow light. The signal will change to a solid yellow, indicating that drivers must slow down and prepare to stop. The signal will then change to a double, solid red, indicating to drivers that they must stop. The pedestrian will then be allowed to cross the street. When the signal begins flashing with alternating red lights, all vehicles must come to a complete stop, but may proceed if there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk, according to police.

Enforcement can occur when a driver fails to come to a stop for a solid red light or if a driver fails to stop for the alternating red lights. There is no violation if once the red lights begin alternating and a driver comes to a complete stop and then proceeds through the intersection when it is safe to do so. Flashing/alternating red lights are to be treated like a stop sign, according to police.

For questions about the hybrid beacons, implementation process, and public notification you can call Caltrans at (916) 654-2852 or go to dot.ca.gov/contactus.html.