What does a solid red traffic light indicate?

A solid red traffic light indicates that drivers must stop and do not enter the intersection. This is a universal traffic signal designed to control the flow of traffic and ensure safety at intersections. When a red light is displayed, it is imperative for drivers to come to a complete stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection. This rule is in place to prevent accidents and maintain order on the roads, as proceeding while the light is red could lead to collisions with cross traffic or pedestrians who may have the right of way.

Waiting for a green light before proceeding, while an important part of following traffic signals, is essentially a consequence of the meaning of the red light. The other options, such as proceeding with caution or yielding to oncoming traffic, do not accurately reflect the directive of a solid red light. Recognizing and obeying traffic signals is crucial for all drivers to ensure safe navigation through intersections.