New York DMV Permit Written TestRoad SignsHard
You are driving on a two-lane road at night and observe a traffic signal that is completely dark. There are no police officers directing traffic. What action should you take?
- AProceed through the intersection without stopping, as there is no signal.
- BYield to traffic on the main road and then proceed.
- CMake a right turn only after stopping.
- DTreat the intersection as a four-way stop.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
A completely dark traffic signal (not flashing) means the signal is not functioning. In such cases, the intersection must be treated as a four-way stop. All drivers must stop, then proceed when safe, yielding to vehicles that arrived first or to the right.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is dangerous and incorrect; a dark signal indicates a malfunction, not an uncontrolled intersection.
- B. This describes the rule for a flashing yellow light or an uncontrolled intersection, not a dark signal.
- C. This is incorrect; while a right turn on red might be allowed, the primary rule for a dark signal is to stop first, and all movements are then possible after yielding.
Dark Traffic Signal
A traffic signal that is not lit and not flashing, indicating a malfunction. Drivers must treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
- Signal is completely off.
- Treat as an intersection with STOP signs in all directions.
- All drivers must stop, then proceed when safe.
- Yield to vehicles that arrived first or to the right.
Memory trick: Dark signal, stop and think, treat it like a four-way link.