ICBC British Columbia Written Exam Practice Test 2025

What does it indicate if a light is flashing red at an intersection?

1. You can continue through the intersection without stopping

2. Stop, then proceed when safe

3. Yield to pedestrians only

4. It’s a malfunctioning signal

The correct answer is: Stop, then proceed when safe

When a traffic light is flashing red at an intersection, it indicates that a driver must come to a complete stop at the intersection. This is similar to a stop sign. After stopping, the driver may proceed only when it is safe to do so, giving consideration to other vehicles and pedestrians. The flashing red light requires clear acknowledgment from the driver that the intersection is treated as a point of caution where safety checks must be made before proceeding. In contrast, the other choices misinterpret the signals’ implications. Continuing through the intersection without stopping would violate traffic rules and compromise safety. Yielding to pedestrians only does not encompass the full responsibility of a driver at a flashing red light, as it requires stopping first and checking for any oncoming traffic. Lastly, a malfunctioning signal would typically involve a different type of indication or behavior; a flashing red light is an intentional signal used for managing traffic flow, not an indication of malfunctions. Thus, the requirement to stop and then proceed when safe is the accurate interpretation of a flashing red light.