What should you do if a traffic light is not functioning?

When a traffic light is not functioning, treating it as a four-way stop is the appropriate action to take. This approach helps maintain safety and order at the intersection. Each driver arriving at the intersection must come to a complete stop and yield to any vehicles or pedestrians that arrived before them. If multiple vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right generally has the right of way.

This method ensures that everyone has an opportunity to proceed safely, minimizing the risk of accidents that might occur if drivers were to ignore the malfunctioning light or attempt to speed through the intersection without proper signaling. Additionally, it provides a structured way to handle the uncertainty created by the traffic signal's failure, promoting cautious and responsible driving behavior.