Practice question

What does a flashing red light indicate at an intersection?

  1. Proceed with caution
  2. Yield to all other traffic
  3. Treat it as a stop sign; stop and yield before proceeding
  4. Ignore it if the road is clear

Answer: C — Treat it as a stop sign; stop and yield before proceeding

A flashing red light at an intersection signals drivers to treat it as a stop sign. This means that, upon encountering a flashing red light, drivers must come to a complete stop at the intersection. After stopping, they should yield to other vehicles and pedestrians before proceeding, ensuring that it is safe to continue. This rule is important for maintaining safety at intersections, as it directs drivers to be cautious and attentive to the movement of other road users. In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the correct action to take when faced with a flashing red light. Proceeding with caution or yielding to all other traffic without stopping does not align with the requirement to come to a full stop first. Ignoring the flashing light, even if the road appears clear, neglects the critical aspect of stopping that ensures safety for all. Following the appropriate actions indicated by traffic signals helps maintain orderly traffic flow and prevents accidents.

Practice more: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Driver's Ed Practice Exam →