What does a red traffic light signify?

A red traffic light signifies that drivers must come to a complete stop at the intersection. This rule is fundamental for maintaining safety on the roads, as it prevents collisions that could result from vehicles not stopping. By stopping completely, drivers give the right of way to cross traffic, pedestrians, and any other vehicles that may be present. It's important for drivers to remain stopped until the light changes to green, ensuring that intersections operate smoothly and safely.

In the context of traffic laws, options such as yielding to oncoming traffic, preparing to stop, or proceeding if there are no vehicles do not adequately capture the requirement to stop completely at a red light. Yielding and caution typically apply to different situations or types of signals, while proceeding without stopping could lead to accidents, as other vehicles or pedestrians may have the right of way.