The traffic light at an intersection you are approaching is completely dark. What should you do?
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A.
Stop as if the intersection is controlled by stop signs in all directions. Correct
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B.
Yield to any vehicle already inside the intersection and proceed.
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C.
Continue through at the posted limit if the way looks clear.
The answer is "Stop as if the intersection is controlled by stop signs in all directions."
When a traffic light is not working, treat the intersection as if it were controlled by stop signs in all directions, then proceed cautiously when it is safe. The 'yield to any vehicle already inside' choice describes an uncontrolled-intersection rule; a driver who reads a dark signal as no signal at all skips the four-way-stop step the manual requires.
The traps in the wrong answers
B. Yield to any vehicle already inside the intersection and proceed.
Describes an uncontrolled-intersection rule, which skips the four-way-stop step the manual requires. This answer reads a dark signal as no signal at all and applies the intersection-without-signs yield rule instead of the four-way stop.
C. Continue through at the posted limit if the way looks clear.
Treats a dark signal as no traffic control at all, which ignores the required stop in every direction. This answer assumes a nonworking signal removes all restrictions, so approaches the intersection at the posted speed.
This question tests your knowledge of Traffic Lights in California. Source: California Driver Manual, "Traffic Signals: Traffic Light Not Working," p.34..
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