Lesson 4 · More intersections
What do you do when traffic lights are out?
Short answer
Treat the intersection as an all-way stop. Stop completely, then go in the order cars arrived, yielding to the right when you tie.
Watch it play out
How to do it
- Slow down as soon as you notice the lights are out.
- Stop completely at the line.
- Take turns in the order cars arrived.
- If a police officer is directing traffic, follow the officer.
Why the rule works this way
With no signal, nobody has a green. The all-way stop rule gives everyone a clear turn order.
Common mistakes
- Driving through on the main road as if the light were green.
- Rolling through without a full stop.
In VirginiaIf traffic lights are not working, all vehicles must stop before entering the intersection. See all Virginia rules
Questions people ask
What about a flashing red light?
A flashing red works like a stop sign. A flashing yellow means slow down and go with caution.