Question

Difficulty: MediumRight-of-Way Rules at Intersections

Driver A approaches an intersection where the traffic signal is flashing red. At the same time, Driver B approaches the same intersection from a cross street where the signal is flashing yellow. Which driver must yield the right-of-way?

  1. Driver A, because a flashing red signal acts like a stop sign and requires stopping and yielding to cross traffic.Answer
  2. B
    Driver B, because a flashing yellow signal requires drivers to come to a complete stop before entering.
  3. C
    Driver B, because the driver approaching from the left must always yield to the driver on the right regardless of signals.
  4. D
    Whichever driver reaches the marked stop line second, because flashing lights convert the intersection into a standard four-way stop.

Answer

Driver A must yield the right-of-way because a flashing red signal functions as a stop sign, requiring a complete stop and yielding to cross traffic.
A flashing red traffic signal carries the legal mandate of a stop sign: drivers must bring their vehicle to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to any vehicle entering or approaching from another highway. Conversely, a flashing yellow signal instructs drivers to proceed with caution without stopping. Therefore, the driver facing the flashing red light must yield to the driver facing the flashing yellow light.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the signal state facing Driver A
Driver A faces a flashing red light, which mandates stopping completely and yielding the right-of-way to conflicting traffic.
Traffic laws equate a flashing red signal to a standard STOP sign.
2
Identify the signal state facing Driver B
Driver B faces a flashing yellow light, which permits proceeding through the intersection with caution without stopping.
A flashing yellow signal alerts drivers to proceed with caution while maintaining right-of-way priority over stopping traffic.
3
Determine right-of-way precedence
Driver A must wait until Driver B has safely cleared the intersection before entering.
Traffic facing a flashing yellow light has right-of-way precedence over traffic facing a flashing red light.

Key Concept

Flashing Red vs. Flashing Yellow Right-of-Way Rules
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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