It's Official: New York Police Clear Up 'Confusing' Traffic Light

It seems like some rules of the road are harder to follow than others in New York...

There are a few habits in the Hudson Valley that would make a Driver's Education teacher's head explode. From the popular move in Poughkeepsie, NY that can cost offenders up to $450 to the nearly-universal inability to navigate traffic circles, there's rarely a dull moment on New York roads. But back to the traffic light...

Green means go and red means stop... but what about no light at all? (Google)

Traffic Light Rules in New York State

While even unlicensed drivers can read a traffic light (green means go!), a local New York police department recently took to social media to remind drivers what to do when the traffic light doesn't have a light at all.

A New York State police department recently took to social media to remind residents what to do at a malfunctioning traffic light (East Greenbush Police Department via Facebook)

What to Do at a Malfunctioning Traffic Signal in New York

"PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT", began a recent post from the East Greenbush Police Department. "When a traffic control device is malfunctioning or not working (above) it shall be treated as a stop sign". Surprisingly, this was news to more than a few residents.

There's a few frustrating driving habits in the Hudson Valley, like refusing to yield to traffic on Route 9 in Poughkeepsie, NY (TSM Poughkeepsie)

Bad Driving Habits in New York State

"It amazes me how many people I saw blowing through them yesterday. I even had people behind me getting mad at me because I stopped", commented one frustrated resident. "LMFAO it's sad how many people don't know this", quipped another. There are several other traffic signal situations drivers should know, too.

Special Traffic Signal Rules in New York

Similar to non-functioning traffic signals, a traffic signal with a blinking red light should be treated as a stop sign. Traffic signals with a blinking yellow light should be treated as an instruction to "drive with caution" but not stop. A police officer directing traffic in an intersection takes precedence over what lights a traffic signal shows as well.

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While Hudson Valley commuters continue to innovate annoying ways to drive (looking at you, Mid-Hudson Bridge drivers), sometimes the blame can be put squarely on the road itself. Check out the five most dangerous New York roads below, and keep scrolling to check out one of the coolest road trips in the state.

The 5 Most Dangerous Roads In New York State

The most dangerous roads in New York.

Road Trip Through New York's Ice Cream Trail

Did you know there's an ice cream trail here in the great state of New York? Yup. Created by Only In Your State, the trail takes you all throughout the Adirondacks, allowing you to "take in the sights of our tallest mountains and some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of New York" while licking your favorite kind of ice cream.

Hop aboard the New York Ice Cream Trail!

Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler