You are approaching an intersection at the posted speed limit when the signal turns yellow. You should:
- Slow down and proceed through the intersection without caution.
- Speed up to cross the intersection before the light turns red.
- Stop before entering the intersection, if you can do so safely. ✓
Answer: C. Stop before entering the intersection, if you can do so safely.
You should stop before entering the intersection if you can do so safely.
Why this is the answer
The California handbook says a solid yellow light means caution and warns that the signal is about to turn red. Its instruction is to stop when you can do so safely. If you cannot stop safely, it says to cross cautiously instead. Since you are approaching at the posted speed limit, the safe choice is to stop before entering the intersection when that can be done safely, rather than treating yellow as a signal to hurry through.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Slow down and proceed through the intersection without caution. — Slowing down and then going through without caution is wrong because yellow means caution and the handbook says to stop when stopping safely is possible, not to proceed carelessly.
- B. Speed up to cross the intersection before the light turns red. — Speeding up to beat the red light is wrong because the handbook directs you to stop if you can do so safely, and accelerating is not that safe stop.
Remember it
Yellow says get ready to stop, not hurry up.