SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-signal-not-working

The traffic lights at an intersection are completely dark. What do you do?

Treat it as an all-way stop.

  1. Continue if the main road looks clear
  2. Stop as if there were STOP signs every way ✔
  3. Wait in place until the lights restart

Why: A dead signal means everyone stops, like a four-way STOP. Then take turns and go when it is safe.

Huh, didn't know that: New York state law says the same: a light that is out or not working correctly means stop as you would for a STOP sign.

The dad joke
Why did the traffic light go dark? It needed a little time to recharge.
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References

Answer: Stop as if there were STOP signs every way. A dead signal means everyone stops, like a four-way STOP. Then take turns and go when it is safe.

  1. California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road
    When a traffic light is not working, stop as if the intersection is controlled by STOP signs in all directions.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4 Traffic Control dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-4-traffic-control
    you must come to a stop as you would for a stop sign.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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