What should drivers do when approaching a malfunctioning traffic signal?

When approaching a malfunctioning traffic signal, the recommended action is to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. This means that all vehicles must come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to any other vehicles or pedestrians that are already in the intersection or about to enter it. The four-way stop rule applies because a malfunctioning signal creates ambiguity regarding who has the right of way, thus following the established traffic control for such situations promotes safety and order at what could otherwise be a confusing intersection.

Treating the intersection as a four-way stop ensures that drivers can proceed in a predictable and controlled manner, reducing the risk of accidents. Understanding right-of-way laws and communicating with other drivers through stop signs, whether marked or implied due to a malfunctioning signal, helps maintain traffic flow and enhances safety for all road users.