A flashing beacon is generally installed at an intersection or in conjunction with a warning sign in advance of an area requiring greater than normal care by the average driver. Flashing beacons serve a useful purpose where the flashing yellow is used to alert drivers to unusual conditions that are not readily apparent, such as: obstructions in the roadway, uncommon roadway conditions, narrow bridges, or unusual conditions hidden from the motorists’ view. One of the more common locations where a flasher can be used effectively is a a signalized intersection located just beyond a vertical or horizontal curve, when the intersection is hidden from the view of approaching travelers.
As of July 24, 2019, there were 344 flashing beacons in Toronto. Follow these links to view the map and list of all Toronto flashing beacons.
A red-flashing light at an intersection alert a driver to stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. The driver may proceed based upon the same rules applicable to making a stop at an intersection controlled by a stop sign.
A yellow flashing light indicates that a driver may proceed through the intersection with caution..
A dark traffic signal is considered to function the same way as a four-way stop controlled intersection, and a driver must stop before entering the intersection.