Question

Difficulty: MediumRight-of-Way Rules at Intersections

You are approaching a major four-way intersection where a recent power outage has caused the traffic signals to go completely dark. No traffic lights or emergency controls are active. According to standard right-of-way rules, how must you handle this situation?

  1. Treat the intersection as an all-way stop by coming to a complete stop before entering, then yielding right-of-way following four-way stop procedures.Answer
  2. B
    Treat the dark signal as a yield sign by slowing down and proceeding through without stopping if cross-traffic appears clear.
  3. C
    Proceed cautious at posted speeds because vehicles traveling on the primary or wider roadway retain continuous right-of-way.
  4. D
    Treat the unpowered signal as a flashing yellow signal, maintaining speed while yielding only to vehicles already inside the intersection.

Answer

Treat the intersection as an all-way stop by coming to a complete stop before entering, then yielding right-of-way following four-way stop procedures.
Under driver licensing laws and standard vehicle codes, when a traffic light has lost power and is completely dark, drivers from every direction must treat the intersection as a four-way (all-way) stop. Drivers must come to a complete stop at the stop line or crosswalk before proceeding according to arrival order or the yield-to-the-right rule.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the signal status
Recognize that all signal heads at the four-way intersection are dark/unpowered.
Traffic signal outages alter normal right-of-way precedence.
2
Apply the statutory rule for signal outages
Convert the intersection control status mentally to an all-way (4-way) stop.
Motor vehicle codes require all drivers approaching an unpowered signal to bring their vehicle to a complete stop.
3
Determine movement priority
Yield to vehicles that arrived before you, or to the vehicle on your right if arriving simultaneously.
Standard four-way stop right-of-way rules dictate safe entry sequencing.

Key Concept

Dark Traffic Signal Right-of-Way Protocol
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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