What should you do if you encounter a traffic signal that is malfunctioning?

In situations where a traffic signal is malfunctioning, the safest and most appropriate response is to treat it as a four-way stop. This means that all vehicles approaching the intersection must come to a complete stop and yield the right of way to other vehicles that are already at the intersection or to those that arrived first. This approach helps ensure safety for all road users, as it brings order to potentially chaotic situations where normal traffic signals cannot effectively manage the flow of vehicles.

By treating the malfunctioning signal as a four-way stop, drivers are actively prioritizing safety and are more likely to make informed decisions based on their surroundings, rather than relying on a signal that could mislead them. This method is consistent with traffic laws that dictate how to handle non-functioning signals, ensuring that drivers navigate intersections safely until the signal is restored to normal operation.