You want to go straight through an intersection. The signal facing you shows a steady red circular light, and there is a stop line. No cross traffic is in sight. What must you do?

Correct answer: Stop behind the stop line and stay stopped until the light turns green

Why

A steady red light is different from a flashing red light: at a flashing red, you may go after a full stop when the way is clear, but at a steady red, through traffic must wait for green. A stop at the stop line keeps the crosswalk clear and lets drivers on the cross street see you. A right turn on red is a separate rule that still needs a full stop and a yield to people and traffic.

Verified against North Carolina Driver Handbook · Traffic Signals · p. 82, 85