What does a solid red traffic light indicate and what should you do?

• A. Proceed through the intersection with caution when the light is red.
• B. Turn right on red after a brief stop.
• C. Stop before the intersection and proceed only when the light turns green or you are directed to go.
• D. Slow down and yield to cross traffic but continue.

Answer: (C)

A solid red light requires a complete stop before the intersection. You stay stopped until the light turns green or you are given a clear direction to go by a traffic signal or officer. This pause gives cross traffic and pedestrians the right of way and prevents conflicts from entering the intersection while the opposing flow has a red signal. After you’ve stopped, look for pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles, then proceed only when it’s safe and the light is green (or you’re told to go). In most jurisdictions, turning on red is not allowed unless a sign specifically permits it, so the correct behavior is to stop and wait for a green signal or an explicit direction to proceed.