What should you do if you approach a traffic signal that is not working?

When you approach a traffic signal that is not functioning, the appropriate action is to treat it as a four-way stop. This is grounded in standard traffic laws that dictate how drivers should respond to non-operational signals. By treating the intersection as a four-way stop, each driver has an opportunity to yield appropriately, ensuring safety and minimizing the risk of accidents.

This involves coming to a complete stop at the intersection, checking for any oncoming traffic, and proceeding only when it's safe to do so. All vehicles arriving at the intersection must follow the right-of-way rules, which typically give priority to the vehicle on the right if two cars arrive simultaneously.

Other options are not advisable: ignoring a non-working signal could lead to dangerous situations; waiting for the signal to change is impractical since non-functional signals do not change; and proceeding cautiously without stopping does not meet the legal requirements for yielding at a stop sign and could potentially lead to collisions. Therefore, treating the situation as a four-way stop not only aligns with traffic regulations but also promotes safety for all road users.