During a severe storm, the traffic lights at a four-way intersection experience a complete blackout, leaving all signal faces unlit and dark. Two vehicles reach the stop lines on opposite sides of the intersection at the exact same time: one driver intends to proceed straight ahead, while the driver opposite is signaling to execute a left turn across the oncoming lane. Which of the following describes the legally required right-of-way procedure for both drivers under standard traffic laws?
- Both vehicles must come to a complete stop as if facing an all-way stop sign; after stopping, the driver going straight has right-of-way over the left-turning driver.Answer
- BBoth vehicles may maintain their speed without stopping if no cross traffic is visible, with the left-turning vehicle yielding right-of-way only if a pedestrian is present.
- CThe driver proceeding straight must yield the right-of-way to the left-turning driver, treating the dark signal as a mandatory yield condition for straight-through lanes.
- DThe driver going straight may treat the unlit signal as a flashing yellow light and proceed with caution without stopping, while the left-turning driver must wait until the signal power is restored.
Answer
Both drivers must bring their vehicles to a complete stop at the intersection line as if controlled by an all-way stop sign. Because both vehicles stopped simultaneously from opposite directions, the driver continuing straight has the right-of-way, and the driver turning left must yield until the intersection is clear.
When a traffic control signal loses power completely and displays no lights, drivers on all approaches must treat the intersection as a multi-way or four-way stop. When two vehicles arrive at opposite sides of an all-way stop simultaneously, standard right-of-way rules state that a driver intending to turn left must yield to oncoming vehicles that are moving straight ahead or making a right turn.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Power Outage / Dark Signal Intersection Right-of-Way Rules