What does a red light signify at an intersection?

A red light at an intersection signifies that drivers must come to a complete stop. This rule is essential for ensuring safety at intersections, as it allows traffic to control the flow and prevents collisions with vehicles coming from other directions. When the light is red, it indicates that the driver should not proceed until the light changes to green, ensuring that they give the right of way to any oncoming traffic or pedestrians that may be present.

In practice, stopping completely means allowing sufficient time for the intersection to clear and for the signal to change, thus promoting safe driving behavior. This rule also applies even if there are no vehicles or pedestrians in sight, as it's crucial to follow traffic signals consistently.

The other choices indicate actions that could lead to traffic violations or dangerous situations. Proceeding with caution, slowing down, or yielding to pedestrians do not align with the instructions given by a red light, which unmistakably requires a complete stop before proceeding further.