Signs, signals and pavement markings
You approach an intersection where the traffic lights are not working, and no traffic officer is directing traffic. What does state law require?
- Stop as you would for a STOP sign, then go according to the right-of-way rules. Correct answer
- Slow down and drive through with caution, as you would at a flashing yellow light.
- Keep going without stopping if you are on the busier of the two roads.
Why
When the signals at an intersection are out of service or not working properly, New York law turns the intersection into the equivalent of a STOP sign for you: you must come to a stop and then continue following the right-of-way rules, unless a traffic officer tells you to go. Treating it like a flashing yellow light is the tempting shortcut, but a flashing yellow only asks you to drive with caution, and a dark signal asks for more than that. Nothing in the rule gives priority to the busier road. The right-of-way rules decide who goes: for example, when drivers stopped at right angles arrive together, the one on the left yields to the one on the right.
Where this comes from
New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), April 2026 version. The correct answer is Stop as you would for a STOP sign, then go according to the right-of-way rules.
More on signs, signals and pavement markings
- You are driving in New York City and stop at a steady red light. No sign about turning on red is posted. May you turn right?
- Outside New York City, you are stopped at a steady red light on a one-way road and want to turn left onto another one-way road. No sign or marking prohibits the turn. What may you do?
- A school bus with students on board is stopped at a steady red light outside New York City. No NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. May the bus driver turn right on the red light?
- You are stopped in a lane controlled by a red arrow pointing right. You want to turn right. What must you do?