Signs, signals and pavement markings
You are approaching an intersection and the traffic signal turns solid yellow. What should you do?
- Speed up so you clear the intersection before the light turns red.
- Stop if you can do so safely; if you cannot stop safely, cross the intersection with caution. Correct answer
- Stop immediately, even if you are already inside the intersection.
Why
A solid yellow light means caution: the signal is about to turn red. It is not an invitation to race the light. The handbook gives you a two-step test. Can you stop safely? Then stop. If you cannot stop safely because you are too close, the road is slick, or a hard stop would put the vehicle behind you into your bumper, continue through the intersection with caution. Speeding up is the classic mistake that leads to red-light collisions, and slamming on the brakes while you are already in the intersection can be just as dangerous. Note the difference with a flashing yellow light, which asks only for a slower speed and more attention, with no obligation to stop.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, DL 600 ENGLISH (REV. 6/2025). The correct answer is Stop if you can do so safely; if you cannot stop safely, cross the intersection with caution..