When you see a flashing red light at an intersection, you must:

When encountering a flashing red light at an intersection, the requirement is to come to a complete stop before entering. This is similar to treating the flashing red light as a stop sign. The purpose of this traffic signal is to ensure that vehicles yield the right of way to other road users, including other vehicles and pedestrians, before proceeding through the intersection.

By stopping completely, drivers give themselves the opportunity to assess the situation, check for any oncoming traffic or pedestrians, and ensure it is safe to continue. This practice enhances safety at intersections where visibility might be limited or where traffic patterns could be unpredictable.

Other options, such as yielding to pedestrians or proceeding with caution while slowing down, may not provide the necessary safety measures as they imply a reduction in awareness or stopping requirements that could lead to hazardous situations. Ignoring the signal altogether can result in serious traffic violations or accidents. Thus, a complete stop is the most appropriate and safest action when encountering a flashing red light.