You come to an intersection with a flashing red light. You must:

1. Slow down and drive carefully through the intersection.
2. Turn either right or left, since the road is blocked ahead.
3. Stop at the intersection and wait for a flashing green light.
4. Stop at the intersection, then proceed as traffic allows. ✓

Answer: D. Stop at the intersection, then proceed as traffic allows.

Stop at the intersection, then proceed as traffic allows.

Why this is the answer

The handbook says that at this signal you must come to a full stop before you enter the crosswalk or intersection, and then go only when you can do it safely. It also notes that vehicles on the crossing road may not have to stop, so you cannot assume they will yield to you. That is why the correct action is a complete stop followed by careful movement when the way is clear, not just slowing down or waiting for another signal.

Why the other answers are wrong

• A. Slow down and drive carefully through the intersection. — Slowing down and driving carefully is not enough, because the handbook requires a complete stop before entering the intersection.
• B. Turn either right or left, since the road is blocked ahead. — Nothing in the passages says the road is blocked ahead or that you must turn, so turning either way is not the rule for this signal.
• C. Stop at the intersection and wait for a flashing green light. — The passages do not describe a flashing green light, and after stopping you proceed when safe rather than waiting for a green signal.

Remember it

Treat a flashing red as a full stop first, then move only when the way is clear.