What should drivers do if traffic lights at an intersection are not functioning?

When traffic lights at an intersection are not functioning, the appropriate action for drivers is to treat the situation as if there were stop signs at all approaches to the intersection. This means that all vehicles must come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way according to the established rules of right-of-way.

This approach is essential for promoting safety, as it minimizes the risk of collisions that could occur when vehicles proceed through an unregulated intersection without stopping. It ensures that drivers can assess the situation, look for pedestrians, and allow others to take their turn at the intersection.

While some individuals might think that they can continue driving cautiously or give priority to larger vehicles, these actions could lead to confusion and miscommunication among drivers, potentially resulting in hazardous conditions. Emergency vehicles have their own set of rules and protocols when approaching such situations but are not given an automatic right to proceed in the absence of functioning traffic signals unless they are responding to an emergency.