California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Traffic Signs and SignalsMedium
You are approaching an intersection with a traffic light that is showing a flashing red signal. What action must you take?
- AProceed through the intersection without stopping if no traffic is present.
- BTreat it as a yield sign, slowing down but not necessarily stopping.
- CStop completely before the intersection and yield to cross traffic and pedestrians.
- DSlow down and proceed with caution if the way is clear.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Stop completely before the intersection and yield to cross traffic and pedestrians.
A flashing red light must be treated exactly like a STOP sign. You must come to a complete stop, and then proceed only when it is safe and you have yielded to all crossing traffic and pedestrians.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Proceeding without stopping is illegal and dangerous with a flashing red light.
- B. A flashing red light requires a complete stop, not just yielding without stopping.
- D. This describes the action for a flashing yellow light, not a flashing red light.
Flashing Red Light
A traffic signal indicating that drivers must come to a complete stop before the intersection, just as they would at a STOP sign, and proceed only when it is safe.
- Requires a complete stop.
- Yield to all cross traffic and pedestrians.
- Proceed only when safe.
- Identical meaning to a STOP sign.
Memory trick: Flashing red means 'STOP!', flashing yellow means 'SLOW!'