North Carolina DMV Practice Exam

When a traffic signal is out or not functioning, the correct action is to treat it as a four-way stop. This means that all vehicles approaching the intersection must come to a complete stop and yield to any vehicles that have arrived first or to those on the right if they arrive simultaneously. This approach helps ensure safety and clarity at intersections where traffic signals are not operational, helping to prevent accidents that can occur in such situations. This procedure is standard practice and is designed to maintain order on the road when signals are not providing guidance. It emphasizes the importance of communication and understanding among drivers, ensuring that everyone is aware that the signal is not functioning and that they must behave as if they are navigating a stop-controlled intersection, thus prioritizing safety.