What does a red traffic light mean?

A red traffic light indicates that drivers must stop their vehicles and wait until the light changes to green before proceeding. This rule is essential for maintaining safety and order on the roads, as it ensures that vehicles are not entering intersections while other vehicles or pedestrians have the right of way.

When a traffic light is red, it is a clear signal that indicates that any movement is prohibited, except in certain situations, such as making a right turn on red, where it's legal and safe to do so. This helps prevent confusion and potential accidents at intersections, ensuring that all drivers are aware of when they can safely proceed.

In contrast, yielding to oncoming traffic, proceeding with caution, and turning right only under a red light do not support the primary purpose of the red light, which is to enforce a complete stop.