A flashing red beacon above an intersection means…?
- Slow down and drive with increased caution
- Slow down and if necessary yield right-of-way to cars approaching from the left or right
- You must come to a complete stop and move through the intersection only when it is safe to do so ✓
- Signal light is out of order, proceed with caution
Answer: C. You must come to a complete stop and move through the intersection only when it is safe to do so
A flashing red beacon above an intersection means you must come to a complete stop and move through only when it is safe.
Why this is the answer
The Ontario handbook says a flashing red beacon above an intersection or stop sign requires a complete stop. After that stop, you may go through the intersection only once it is safe. That supports the answer because the beacon is treated as a stop requirement, not just a warning to slow down. The handbook gives the same instruction for a flashing red light, so the key action is a full stop followed by a safe crossing.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Slow down and drive with increased caution — Slowing down and using extra caution is not enough here, because the handbook requires a full stop at a flashing red beacon.
- B. Slow down and if necessary yield right-of-way to cars approaching from the left or right — Slowing down and yielding to cars from the left or right skips the required complete stop before entering the intersection.
- D. Signal light is out of order, proceed with caution — The passages do not describe a flashing red beacon as a signal that is out of order; they describe it as a signal that requires a complete stop.
Remember it
Treat a flashing red beacon like a stop sign: stop first, then go when clear.
Official handbook: Official MTO Driver's Handbook, Traffic lights – Flashing red beacon