Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Permit Practice Test

What should you do when approaching an intersection with a non-operating signal?

1. Stop before entering the intersection

2. Speed through the intersection

3. Yield to pedestrians only

4. Turn without stopping

The correct answer is: Stop before entering the intersection

When approaching an intersection with a non-operating signal, stopping before entering the intersection is the proper response. This action is essential for ensuring safety and preventing accidents. Traffic laws treat intersections with non-working signals as a four-way stop, meaning that all vehicles must come to a complete stop and yield to any other vehicles or pedestrians that may be in or approaching the intersection. By stopping, drivers can assess the situation, safely determine whether it is clear to proceed, and respond to any unexpected movements from other road users. The alternative choices reflect unsafe practices: speeding through an intersection can lead to collisions, yielding only to pedestrians does not account for other vehicles that may also have the right to move, and turning without stopping ignores the requirement to first establish whether the intersection is safe to navigate.