What must a driver do at a traffic signal that is malfunctioning?

When a traffic signal is malfunctioning, it creates uncertainty for all road users. The proper procedure in such situations is to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. This means that all drivers must come to a complete stop before proceeding, allowing each vehicle to take turns based on the order of arrival. This protocol enhances safety and helps manage traffic flow at intersections where signals are not operational.

The reason for treating a malfunctioning traffic signal as a four-way stop is to prevent accidents, as a non-functioning signal does not indicate who has the right of way. This system of stopping ensures that all vehicles and pedestrians can navigate the intersection safely, respecting the principle of yielding to one another in an orderly fashion.

However, simply proceeding through without stopping can lead to dangerous situations, as it disregards the rights of other drivers. Waiting for the signal to change is impractical since it's already malfunctioning, and calling the authorities, while important for reporting the issue, does not resolve the immediate need for safe navigation through the intersection.