Massachusetts Fines and Limits Permit Practice Test

What should you do if traffic lights are malfunctioning?

1. Treat the intersection as a four-way stop

2. Ignore the lights and proceed

3. Only stop if other vehicles are present

4. Call for assistance before proceeding

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

When traffic lights are malfunctioning, treating the intersection as a four-way stop is the correct action to take. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of all road users. A malfunctioning traffic light can create confusion about right-of-way, leading to potential accidents. By treating the intersection as a four-way stop, drivers can communicate through their actions, allowing each vehicle to take turns based on the order of arrival, thus reducing the risk of collisions. The other options do not prioritize safety effectively. Ignoring the lights and proceeding can lead to dangerous situations, as it disregards the need for prior knowledge of traffic priorities at that intersection. Stopping only if other vehicles are present could lead to unpredictable behavior and confusion among drivers. Calling for assistance before proceeding, while it may seem cautious, unnecessarily delays traffic and could lead to further complications. Therefore, the proper approach is to confidently approach the intersection as if it were a stop sign for all vehicles, ensuring a safer and more orderly passage.