What must a driver do at a steady red light?

At a steady red light, a driver is required to make a complete stop before the intersection or the marked stop line. This action is critical as it ensures that the driver is adhering to traffic regulations designed to manage the flow of traffic and enhance safety for all road users.

After stopping, the driver must remain stationary until the light changes to green or until it is safe to proceed, which generally involves yielding to any cross traffic or pedestrians that may have the right of way. The requirement to stop creates a clear protocol for navigating intersections, helping to prevent accidents that could occur if vehicles were allowed to continue moving.

Other options suggest actions that would not comply with traffic laws or that could lead to unsafe driving conditions. For instance, slowing down without coming to a stop does not fulfill the legal requirement and could cause confusion for other drivers or pedestrians. Yielding to pedestrians only does not encompass the broader requirement of stopping at a red light, and continuing to drive if no other cars are present disregards the fundamental rule of stopping at a red signal.