If the signal light changes from green to amber as you approach an intersection, what should you do?
- Continue through the intersection without slowing or stopping
- Speed up to clear the intersection as quickly as possible
- Stop. If a stop cannot be made safely proceed with caution ✓
- Sound the horn to warn pedestrians and other drivers that you do not intend to stop
Answer: C. Stop. If a stop cannot be made safely proceed with caution
Stop if you can do so safely; if you are too close to stop safely, proceed through the intersection with caution.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says a yellow or amber light means red is about to appear. You must stop when you can do so safely, and otherwise go with caution. It also advises being ready to stop when a green light has been green for a while, and says that if you are already so close that a safe stop is not possible, you should drive through carefully. That matches stopping unless a safe stop cannot be made.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Continue through the intersection without slowing or stopping — Continuing through as if nothing changed ignores that amber means red is about to appear and that you must stop when a safe stop is possible.
- B. Speed up to clear the intersection as quickly as possible — Speeding up is not what the handbook says; when you cannot stop safely you go through with caution, not try to clear the intersection as fast as possible.
- D. Sound the horn to warn pedestrians and other drivers that you do not intend to stop — The handbook does not tell you to sound the horn to announce that you will not stop; it tells you to stop if safe or proceed cautiously if not.
Remember it
Amber is a warning, not a go-ahead: plan to stop, and only roll through when stopping safely is not possible.
Official handbook: Official MTO Driver's Handbook, Traffic lights – Yellow light