What does a solid red traffic light mean?

A solid red traffic light indicates that drivers must come to a complete stop at the intersection. It signifies that vehicles should not proceed until the light changes to green. This is important for maintaining order at intersections and ensuring the safety of all road users. Stopping at a red light allows cross traffic to flow safely and helps prevent accidents.

In contrast, options such as yielding or proceeding with caution do not apply to a solid red light situation. Yielding pertains to giving way to other traffic, while a caution signal would suggest being prepared to stop or proceed carefully. The option of going if safe implies an ability to bypass the restriction imposed by the red light, which contradicts the fundamental meaning of a solid red light that requires a full stop. Understanding this rule is critical for safe driving and compliance with traffic laws.