Washington State Department of Licensing Knowledge Test

At an intersection with traffic lights, what should drivers do when the light turns yellow?

1. Speed up to clear the intersection

2. Prepare to stop if it is safe to do so

3. Proceed with caution without stopping

4. Continue through regardless of others

The correct answer is: Prepare to stop if it is safe to do so

When the traffic light turns yellow, drivers should prepare to stop if it is safe to do so. A yellow light serves as a warning that the signal is about to change to red, indicating that drivers should clear the intersection if they are already in it, but those approaching the light must assess their surroundings to determine if stopping is feasible. This promotes safety by preventing accidents that could occur if a driver tries to speed through the intersection at the last minute or if they misjudge their ability to clear the intersection before the light changes. In this context, speeding up to clear the intersection could result in a failure to stop safely, and proceeding through without stopping can put both the driver and other road users at risk. Continuing through regardless of others can lead to violations of traffic laws and potential collisions. Therefore, the safest and most responsible action is to prepare to stop when the light changes to yellow, ensuring compliance with traffic signals and the overall safety of the road environment.