New York DMV Permit Written TestRoad SignsMedium
You are driving at night and notice that the traffic signal at an intersection is completely dark (not working). What action should you take?
- ATreat the intersection as a four-way stop, yielding to traffic already in the intersection.
- BProceed through the intersection without stopping, as it is non-operational.
- CTreat the intersection as if it were controlled by a flashing yellow light.
- DWait for a police officer to direct traffic before proceeding.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Treat the intersection as a four-way stop, yielding to traffic already in the intersection.
When a traffic signal is completely dark or non-operational, it must be treated as a four-way stop intersection. All drivers must stop and yield to traffic that arrived first or to the right if arriving simultaneously.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is extremely dangerous and illegal; it would lead to collisions.
- C. A flashing yellow implies caution, but a completely dark signal requires a full stop.
- D. While an officer might arrive, you cannot wait indefinitely and must follow the rule for non-operational signals.
Dark Traffic Signal
A traffic signal that is completely dark (not working) must be treated as a four-way stop sign, where all drivers stop and proceed only when safe.
- Treat as a four-way stop.
- All drivers must come to a complete stop.
- Yield to traffic that arrived first or to the right.
Memory trick: If the signal's dark, it's a stop sign mark; if it's flashing red, stop before you tread.