Arizona Driving Permit Written Practice Test

What should you do upon approaching a traffic signal that is not functioning?

1. Proceed without stopping

2. Treat it as a four-way stop and proceed with caution

3. Stop and wait for police directions

4. Ignore the signal

The correct answer is: Treat it as a four-way stop and proceed with caution

When approaching a traffic signal that is not functioning, treating it as a four-way stop is the appropriate action to take. This means that all vehicles must come to a complete stop at the intersection, regardless of which direction they are coming from. After stopping, drivers should yield to any vehicles or pedestrians that were already at the intersection or that arrive before they do. This procedure helps to ensure safety and prevents accidents at intersections where signals are out of order, allowing for smooth and orderly traffic flow. Additionally, this method is based on traffic regulations that apply when signals fail. It ensures that all drivers understand they need to exercise caution and make decisions based on the right of way rather than relying on a non-functioning traffic signal. Following this rule promotes predictability amongst drivers, fostering a safer driving environment.