What Does a Flashing Green Light Mean in Vancouver?
The question our chauffeurs get asked more than any other
If you've just landed at YVR and you're riding into the city with us, there's a good chance you'll lean forward at some point and ask your chauffeur: "Why is that green light flashing?"
You're not alone. After more than 20 years of driving visitors around Vancouver, it's the number one question we hear, ahead of where to eat, how tall the mountains are, or whether it really rains that much. (It does. But it's beautiful.)
Here's the answer.
A flashing green means the light is pedestrian-controlled
In British Columbia, a flashing green light means the intersection is pedestrian-controlled. Traffic on the main road gets a flashing green and can go through, while the side street usually has a stop sign.
The light stays flashing green until someone on foot presses the crosswalk button. Then it turns solid yellow, then red, so they can cross safely. Once they're across, it goes back to flashing green.
So a flashing green does not mean the light is about to change. It means: proceed with caution, and watch for people who might be about to cross.
Why it confuses visitors
Flashing green lights mean different things in different places, which is exactly why so many of our guests ask about them.
In much of the United States, flashing green lights are rare, so many travellers have never seen one.
In Ontario and some other provinces, a flashing green can mean you have priority to turn left before oncoming traffic gets their green.
In Vancouver and the rest of BC, it's all about pedestrians.
If you're renting a car while you're here, it's worth knowing. Treat a flashing green the way you'd treat any intersection where someone might step off the curb: go, but be ready to stop.
Vancouver is a walking city
Those flashing greens are part of what makes Vancouver such a great place to explore on foot. Neighbourhoods like Yaletown, Gastown, Kitsilano and the West End are built for walking, and pedestrian-controlled crossings make it easy for people to get across busy streets safely.
That's also why our chauffeurs drive the way they do downtown: calm, patient and always watching the crosswalks.
More questions for your chauffeur?
Our chauffeurs are often the first people visitors meet in Vancouver, and we love that. Ask us anything: the best sushi in the city, the drive to Whistler, or how long it takes to get through customs at the cruise terminal.
Whether you're arriving at YVR, heading up the Sea to Sky to Whistler, or need a car for a meeting downtown, Limobook has been driving Vancouver's visitors and executives since 2005.
Book your ride: call (604) 200-1224 or visit limobook.ca.