What should you do when traffic lights are out of service?

When traffic lights are out of service, treating the intersection as uncontrolled is the correct response because it ensures safety for all road users. In these situations, vehicles should approach the intersection with caution, as there are no signals to dictate the right of way. Drivers must assess other vehicles and pedestrians present, following the typical rules of right-of-way applicable to uncontrolled intersections.

In many jurisdictions, when traffic signals fail, the law dictates that drivers must yield to other vehicles and consider the presence of stop signs or other traffic control devices that might exist. By treating the intersection as uncontrolled, drivers are promoting a safer traffic environment and are better able to react to the movements of other road users, allowing for a more orderly flow of traffic despite the lack of signals.

The approach of treating the intersection like a stop sign would not be fully accurate unless there were stop signs present, potentially leading to confusion among drivers. Accelerating through the intersection is unsafe and disregards the need for caution when visibility of other vehicles and pedestrians may be limited. Turning back could lead to further complications and does not address the need to navigate through an intersection safely.