What must you do at a flashing yellow traffic light?
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A.
Come to a full stop and then continue.
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B.
Wait until the light turns solid green.
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C.
Slow down and stay alert as you proceed. Correct
The answer is "Slow down and stay alert as you proceed."
A flashing yellow traffic light warns you to proceed with caution; slow down and stay alert, but you do not need to stop. The 'come to a full stop' choice borrows the flashing-red rule listed directly above it in the manual, which is where drivers who see two flashing signals as interchangeable land.
The traps in the wrong answers
A. Come to a full stop and then continue.
Applies the flashing-red rule of full stop to a flashing yellow, which the manual says does not require stopping. This answer reads any flashing signal as requiring a stop, borrowing the flashing-red instruction because both signals flash.
B. Wait until the light turns solid green.
Reads a flashing yellow as a transitional signal that will soon become a solid green. This answer assumes any flashing pattern is a placeholder waiting to turn steady, so holds until the signal locks in.
This question tests your knowledge of Traffic Lights in California. Source: California Driver Manual, "Traffic Signals: Flashing Yellow Light," p.33..
Related California questions
- A steady red traffic light means you must: →
- A green arrow at a traffic light allows you to: →
- At an intersection without a dedicated right-turn lane, you want to turn right at a red light. You may do so only when: →
- You are stopped at a red arrow signal wanting to turn. When may you make the turn? →
- The traffic light at an intersection you are approaching is completely dark. What should you do? →
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