What does a flashing red traffic light indicate?

A flashing red traffic light serves as a signal for drivers to come to a complete stop at the intersection or the location of the light. This is similar to a stop sign in meaning. After coming to a stop, drivers must yield to any pedestrians and oncoming traffic before proceeding. This rule is crucial for maintaining safety in situations where a traffic light might indicate a potential hazard or an intersection where other vehicles or pedestrians might be present.

Understanding the function of a flashing red light is essential for safe driving. The flashing red light is designed to draw attention and require caution, ensuring that all road users are appropriately aware of potential risks and that the right-of-way is respected. Other options present variations of caution or proceeding without clear compliance to stopping, which may lead to unsafe driving scenarios. Therefore, recognizing that a flashing red light explicitly means to stop is vital for proper driving behavior.