Philadelphia Drivers License Practice Test

What do you do if you encounter a yellow traffic light?

1. Speed up to cross before it turns red

2. Prepare to stop unless already in the intersection

3. Ignore it

4. Stop if safe

The correct answer is: Prepare to stop unless already in the intersection

When you encounter a yellow traffic light, your appropriate response is to prepare to stop unless you are already in the intersection. A yellow light signals that the light will soon turn red, indicating that you need to be cautious and ready to stop. It is important to assess your surroundings and your speed to determine if stopping is safe and feasible. In most situations, if you are far enough away from the intersection when the light turns yellow, you should decelerate and come to a stop. However, if you are already in the intersection or too close to safely stop without sudden braking, you may continue through cautiously. This approach ensures the safety of all road users, as it helps to prevent abrupt stops that could lead to rear-end collisions. Therefore, this choice reflects both the legal obligation to respond appropriately to traffic signals and a practical emphasis on safety when approaching intersections.