Texas Car / Permit practice question · Signals & Pavement Markings

A traffic signal showing a flashing red light means you should:

Answer choices

• slow down but keep moving
• speed up to clear the intersection
• treat it as a broken signal and ignore it
• stop, then proceed when it is safe, just as you would at a stop sign— Correct answer

Why this is the answer

A flashing red light means stop completely before the crosswalk or intersection, then go when you can do so safely, much like a stop sign. Slowing down is not enough. The intersecting road's traffic may not have to stop, so check carefully before you move, and never treat the signal as if it were out of order.

Source: Texas Driver Handbook — Traffic Signals

Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026