ICBC British Columbia Written Exam Practice Test 2025

What should you do if you see traffic signals broken?

1. Proceed through the intersection without stopping

2. Treat it as a four-way stop

3. Follow the directions of any nearby police officer

4. Continue driving as normal unless otherwise directed

The correct answer is: Treat it as a four-way stop

When traffic signals are broken or not functioning, it is essential to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. This means that all vehicles approaching the intersection must come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians, following the general rules for a four-way stop. This approach helps to minimize confusion and potential accidents since drivers will understand that they need to stop and assess the situation before proceeding. Treating a broken traffic signal as a four-way stop promotes safety by ensuring that every vehicle has the opportunity to navigate through the intersection orderly. It places emphasis on caution and communication among drivers, helping everyone to proceed safely and responsibly. While following the directions of a police officer is crucial when present, not every intersection will have an officer directing traffic when signals fail. Simply continuing to drive as normal or proceeding without stopping may increase the risk of accidents since drivers will have no indication of who has the right-of-way. Thus, understanding the proper protocol when faced with a broken signal is vital for maintaining road safety.