What does a flashing red traffic light indicate?

A flashing red traffic light indicates that drivers must come to a complete stop at the intersection or designated point, ensuring that they yield the right-of-way to all other vehicles and pedestrians. Once they have stopped, they can proceed through the intersection only when it is safe to do so. This signal is similar to a stop sign and is used to alert drivers to potential hazards at intersections or in scenarios where a stop is necessary for safety.

Proceeding with caution, yielding to oncoming traffic, or interpreting the light as a mere warning does not accurately reflect the requirement to stop first. Therefore, the proper action when encountering a flashing red light is to stop completely before determining when it is safe to proceed.