Lithuania reintroduces flashing green traffic light signal

Drivers in Lithuania will soon see a familiar sight return to traffic signals: the flashing green light. The Ministry of Transport announced the reintroduction of this signal, aiming to resolve years of driver confusion caused by inconsistent traffic light operations across the country.

Previously, drivers faced uncertainty as some intersections featured a flashing green light, while others immediately switched from solid green to yellow without warning. This inconsistency created a frustrating and potentially hazardous situation. The new regulations seek to standardize the system, ensuring a more predictable flow of traffic.

Effective November 1, 2026, the minimum duration for a solid green light will be five seconds. The green signal will then flash for two to four seconds before turning yellow. The flashing frequency will be approximately one flash per second, with a dark-green-dark sequence for each flash period. These changes are intended to provide drivers with a clearer indication of when the light is about to change, allowing for safer decision-making at intersections.

Furthermore, the updated rules incorporate provisions for sensor-controlled traffic lights. In situations where sensors detect no vehicles approaching from a particular direction, the yellow light can be activated earlier, even before the standard flashing green period concludes. Similarly, if a pedestrian activates the call button, the yellow light for vehicles may be triggered sooner. This adaptive system aims to reduce unnecessary waiting times and improve overall traffic management efficiency, benefiting both drivers and pedestrians.