A traffic light has been dark (no power) at an intersection. How should you proceed?

A DARK OR NON-FUNCTIONING TRAFFIC SIGNAL must be treated as a FOUR-WAY STOP in virtually all US states. This is a statutory requirement, not just a recommendation.

How a four-way stop works: (1) All vehicles must come to a COMPLETE STOP at the stop line or before entering the intersection; (2) The first vehicle to arrive and stop has the right-of-way to proceed first; (3) When two or more vehicles arrive at approximately the same time, the vehicle on the RIGHT has the right-of-way (right-before-left rule); (4) If vehicles are directly opposite and turning in different directions, left-turning vehicle yields to straight-through traffic. WHY DARK SIGNALS ARE TREATED AS 4-WAY STOPS: A dark signal means all approaches have lost their control — none can proceed safely without coordination; treating it as uncontrolled (no one yields to anyone) would create chaos and high-speed conflicts at a potentially blind intersection.

Common mistake: Some drivers slow significantly but don't stop, treating it as a caution light — this is incorrect and potentially unlawful. A complete stop is required.

Police direction: If a law enforcement officer is directing traffic at a dark-signal intersection, always follow the officer's signals, which override traffic device rules.