When the traffic signal light facing you is red and you intend to go straight through the intersection, what must you do first?
- Slow down, proceed when the way is clear
- Stop, proceed when the way is clear
- Stop, give pedestrians the right-of-way, and then proceed with caution
- Stop, wait until the light changes to green and the intersection is clear before moving through it ✓
Answer: D. Stop, wait until the light changes to green and the intersection is clear before moving through it
You must stop, wait until the light changes to green, and make sure the intersection is clear before going straight through.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says through traffic must stop for a red light, and it warns that even on a fresh green light you should not move forward until you have scanned the intersection to confirm it is clear. So a red light facing you means stopping and waiting for your green, not creeping ahead just because the way looks open. Once the light turns green, you still check that the intersection is clear before moving through.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Slow down, proceed when the way is clear — A red light requires a full stop, not just slowing down and proceeding when the way looks clear.
- B. Stop, proceed when the way is clear — Stopping is right, but for straight-through traffic a steady red light means you wait for green rather than proceed as soon as the way is clear.
- C. Stop, give pedestrians the right-of-way, and then proceed with caution — Yielding to pedestrians is necessary, but the red light still holds you back; you must wait for green before going straight through.
Remember it
Red means stop and stay put; green gives you permission, but only after you scan and see the intersection is clear.