You're approaching an Oregon intersection, intending to drive straight through, and the traffic signal is showing a steady circular red. What must you do?
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A.
Stop, then proceed when traffic is clear.
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B.
Stop and remain stopped until the signal changes. Correct
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C.
Slow down and proceed with caution.
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D.
Stop only if other vehicles are present.
The answer is "Stop and remain stopped until the signal changes."
A steady red signal means stop and remain stopped until the signal changes. Going straight on red is never allowed. The exception covers turns only: after coming to a complete stop, you may turn right when entering a two-way road, or turn right or left in the direction of travel when entering a one-way road, unless a sign or police officer states otherwise. None of that applies when you intend to drive straight, and the rule does not depend on whether other traffic is present.
The traps in the wrong answers
A. Stop, then proceed when traffic is clear.
That describes a stop sign (or a flashing red or dark signal), not a steady red. Since you are going straight, you must remain stopped until the signal changes. Misreading: Treats a steady red like a stop sign, where you may proceed once traffic is clear; the manual reserves that rule for a flashing red or dark signal and requires you to remain stopped at a steady red until it changes.
C. Slow down and proceed with caution.
That is the rule for a flashing yellow signal, not a steady red. Misreading: Confuses steady red with flashing yellow, which the manual defines as 'slow down and proceed with caution.'
D. Stop only if other vehicles are present.
A steady red requires you to stop and stay stopped regardless of whether other traffic is visible. Misreading: Treats the stop as conditional on visible traffic, ignoring that the manual requires stopping and remaining stopped at a steady red regardless of other vehicles.
This question tests your knowledge of Traffic Signals in Oregon. Source: Oregon Driver Manual, "Traffic Signals," p.15..
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