so what the heck does a flashing green traffic light mean?

[RapidTransit]

Flashing Green does not mean anything in this state as far as I know unless someone at the registry decided not to put it into the driving manual. Usually lights do this during times when traffic isn't heavy.

[Zygote]

I know the light you're talking about, its on Route 16 near the Alewife T Stop. The only thing I can think of is that its letting you know that you're coming up to one of those not-quite-a-rotary things that Massachusetts loves. You should be glad you didn't catch it when it was solid red with a flashing green light. That tends to cause some erratic driving behavior.

[chairman_mao]

Is there a Fire Station near the blinking green? I have seen several of these on the South Shore and they are *always* in my experience associated with a Fire House. They only chanfe when the engine company needs to respond to a call. That's my $.02

[RapidTransit]

Usually its blinking yellow to warn you of any potential activity at a Fire Station

[mcveighr]

In Ontario (Canada), a flashing green means that you get an advanced left turn for traffic in your direction (the other side still sees a red). Its cheaper than upgrading the light standard to include a left turn light, so some municipalities use it on lower traffic roads.

Yeah, same as a green arrow.

[tranman]

Yeah, same as a green arrow.

Not quite, it's the same as the green arrow PLUS a solid green light, meaning people on your half of the road can go straight or left, while the people travelling towards you have to wait. Advanced green!

[personman]

http://www.icbc.com/licensing/drivingtips/icbc_tips/whattodoataflashinggreenlight/whattodoataflashinggreenlight.html

[RapidTransit]

Anyone Not from Mass should know what applies in your state/country dosn't apply here... Just a thought because we are so assbackwards.

[SpitFire1299]

A blinking green light is to confuse you and make you go slower.