What is the meaning of a red traffic light?

A red traffic light universally indicates that vehicles must come to a complete stop. It is crucial for maintaining safety on the roads, as it helps to control the flow of traffic at intersections. Motorists are required to remain stopped until the light changes to green, signaling that they may proceed. This rule is fundamental to preventing accidents and ensuring that vehicles and pedestrians can navigate intersections safely.

In contrast, other options suggest scenarios that either mitigate the requirement to stop or misinterpret the meaning of the light. Allowing passage through a red light under any circumstance other than a permitted right turn (which is not the case in this question), or suggesting the light is malfunctioning, contradicts the established traffic regulations that aim to reduce confusion and enhance safety on the roads.