Illinois Driving Permit Practice Test

What does a solid red traffic light mean?

1. Yield to pedestrians

2. Stop completely and wait for the light to turn green

3. Proceed with caution

4. Slow down and prepare to stop

The correct answer is: Stop completely and wait for the light to turn green

A solid red traffic light indicates that vehicles must come to a complete stop. This rule is crucial for maintaining order and safety on the road. The light serves as a signal to all drivers that they need to halt their vehicle at the intersection and wait until the light changes to green before proceeding. This helps prevent collisions and ensures that pedestrians and other road users can navigate the intersection safely. The other choices, while they do reflect aspects of traffic laws, do not fully capture the specific requirement that a solid red light imposes on drivers. Yielding to pedestrians is a good practice at stop lights but doesn’t replace the fundamental need to stop. Proceeding with caution or slowing down and preparing to stop may apply in different contexts, such as a yellow light or other traffic situations, but a solid red light explicitly mandates a full stop.