Arizona Driving Permit Written Practice Test

What is the purpose of turning on hazard lights?

1. To warn other drivers of a temporary emergency

2. To signal that you are parking

3. To indicate you are making a U-turn

4. To encourage other drivers to pass

The correct answer is: To warn other drivers of a temporary emergency

Turning on hazard lights serves the primary function of warning other drivers of a temporary emergency situation. When a vehicle is stopped due to an unforeseen circumstance, such as mechanical failure or any other reason that poses a risk to traffic flow, activating hazard lights alerts surrounding drivers to proceed with caution. This visual cue indicates that something is not normal, prompting others to be especially careful and possibly change lanes or slow down to avoid a potential accident. While hazard lights can sometimes be confused with other signaling behaviors, they are distinctly meant for highlighting emergencies rather than simply indicating that a vehicle is parked, executing a U-turn, or encouraging other vehicles to pass. Each of these other scenarios typically relies on specific signaling actions that are intended to communicate different driving maneuvers, rather than the indication of the vehicle being in a compromised situation. Recognizing the proper use of hazard lights is crucial for safe driving and effective communication on the road.