Texas DMV Written Driving Practice Test

What should you do if you approach a flashing red traffic light?

1. Come to a complete stop and proceed when it's safe

2. Slow down and proceed with caution.

3. Treat it as a yield sign and proceed without stopping.

4. Stop only if there are other vehicles at the intersection.

The correct answer is: Come to a complete stop and proceed when it's safe

When you approach a flashing red traffic light, the correct action is to come to a complete stop and wait for the light to turn green. This signal indicates that you must stop, similar to a stop sign. It requires drivers to assess their surroundings and yield to any oncoming traffic or pedestrians before proceeding. Waiting for the traffic signal to change ensures safety at intersections, as there may be other vehicles or pedestrians that have the right of way. Only after a complete stop and ensuring the intersection is clear can you then continue to proceed when it is safe to do so. This practice helps prevent accidents and reinforces the importance of obeying traffic signals. In contrast, slowing down and proceeding with caution does not address the necessity of a full stop and could lead to misunderstandings about the right of way. Treating it as a yield sign minimizes the necessary caution at intersections, which is not safe. Stopping only if there are other vehicles at the intersection undermines the universal requirement to stop at a flashing red light, potentially putting yourself and others in danger.