How should you proceed at a non-functioning traffic signal?

• A. Stop and wait for a police officer
• B. Proceed through the intersection if no one is nearby
• C. Treat the intersection as a four-way stop; proceed carefully
• D. Yield to traffic on the left only

Answer: (C)

When a traffic signal isn’t working, you should treat the intersection as a four-way stop. You must come to a complete stop, look for other vehicles and pedestrians, and then proceed in turn. If you and another vehicle arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right and go when the lane is clear. This approach keeps movements predictable and reduces the risk of crashes in an uncertain situation. Relying on the signal to guide you, delaying because you hope no one is nearby, or only yielding to traffic on one side isn’t safe, since other vehicles or pedestrians could be approaching from any direction.