Florida Class E Knowledge ExamFlorida Road RulesHard
You are driving on a Florida roadway and approach an intersection where the traffic signal is completely dark (not lit). What action should you take?
- AMake a right turn after stopping, then proceed.
- BProceed with caution, as if it were a green light.
- CTreat the intersection as a four-way stop.
- DStop only if there is cross-traffic present.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
When a traffic signal is completely dark or not functioning, it should be treated as a four-way stop. All drivers approaching the intersection must stop and proceed only when it is safe to do so, following the rules of a four-way stop.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. You must stop and yield to all other traffic, not just make a right turn. The priority is to establish a safe flow as if it were a four-way stop.
- B. Treating a dark signal as a green light is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe collisions.
- D. This is incorrect; you must stop regardless of whether cross-traffic is immediately visible, as it functions as a mandatory stop for all directions.
Dark Traffic Signal
A completely dark or non-functioning traffic signal at an intersection must be treated as a four-way stop sign, requiring all drivers to stop before proceeding.
- Treat as a four-way stop.
- All drivers must stop.
- Yield to vehicles that arrived first.
- Proceed when safe and clear.
Memory trick: Dark light, treat it like a four-way stop sight.