What is the meaning of a red traffic light?

A red traffic light universally signals that vehicles must come to a complete stop at the stop line or intersection. This rule is crucial for ensuring road safety and managing the flow of traffic. It allows pedestrians to cross safely and helps prevent collisions between vehicles. After stopping, a driver must wait until the light turns green before proceeding.

Yielding to pedestrians is an important part of driving behavior when the light is red, as it emphasizes the importance of pedestrian safety. Proceeding with caution is more applicable to yellow lights, which warn drivers that the light is about to change to red. Similarly, while turning may sometimes be permitted during a red light (such as a right turn), it is not the primary meaning of a red light itself, which is strictly to stop. Understanding the significance of a red light is fundamental for all drivers in maintaining safety on the roads.