What do you do if the traffic lights are not functioning?

Treating the intersection as a four-way stop is the correct action when traffic lights are not functioning. In this situation, all road users should approach the intersection with caution, stopping at the stop lines or before entering the intersection if there are no stop lines. Each vehicle must then yield to the vehicle on its right or the vehicle that arrived first at the intersection. This approach helps to establish a clear right-of-way, reducing confusion and the risk of accidents when traffic signals are down.

It's important to remember that proceeding without stopping can lead to dangerous situations, as there may be other vehicles or pedestrians that also expect to obey signals. Waiting indefinitely for the lights to change can cause unnecessary delays and gridlock, and signaling other drivers to proceed can create misunderstandings and increase the likelihood of collisions. Recognizing the four-way stop procedure ensures safety and order in such scenarios.