Washington Written Drivers Permit Practice Test

What must you do when a traffic signal is out at an intersection?

1. Ignore it and continue driving

2. Treat it as a stop sign

3. Treat it as a four-way stop

4. Call the police

The correct answer is: Treat it as a four-way stop

When a traffic signal is out at an intersection, you must treat it as a four-way stop. This means that all vehicles approaching the intersection must come to a complete stop and yield to the vehicle that arrived first. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. This procedure helps maintain order at intersections when traffic signals are not operational, ensuring that all drivers are aware of their responsibilities and maneuver safely through the intersection. Treating the intersection as a four-way stop is critical for preventing accidents and promoting safety for all road users, including pedestrians. Other options, such as ignoring the signal or treating it as a stop sign only for some vehicles, do not acknowledge the need for all vehicles to stop and yield appropriately, which could lead to confusion and dangerous situations. Calling the police is also not necessary in this situation unless there are further complications, such as an accident.