When approaching a steady red traffic light, drivers should:
- Drive through the intersection if there is no crossing traffic.
- Continue driving, as they have the right-of-way.
- Stop only if a police officer is nearby.
- Come to a complete stop. ✓
Answer: D. Come to a complete stop.
When approaching a steady red traffic light, you must come to a complete stop.
Why this is the answer
The handbook's steady red light rule says to stop completely at the stop line and stay stopped until the light turns green. It also warns that driving through a red light is against the law and very dangerous, so slowing down and rolling through is not an option either. A complete stop is the required first step, and any turn on red can only happen after you have stopped and only when the way is clear.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Drive through the intersection if there is no crossing traffic. — The handbook says that going through a red light is illegal and extremely dangerous, so having no cross traffic does not make it allowed.
- B. Continue driving, as they have the right-of-way. — A red light means stop, so continuing on the idea that you have the right-of-way ignores the signal and breaks the rule.
- C. Stop only if a police officer is nearby. — The requirement to stop at a red light stands on its own, and the handbook ties no part of it to a police officer being nearby.
Remember it
Red means full stop at the line, not a slow-down-and-look; the green light is what releases you.