We've all been confronted with that split-second decision when a traffic light turns yellow: should I slam on the brakes or hit the gas?  Either way, there is always some nagging regret if you stop too soon, or nervously look in the mirror for the officer that saw you fly by.  What should you do when faced with a yellow light?

a) Accelerate through the intersection

b) Proceed through the intersection at a safe speed

c) Treat the yellow signal like a stop sign

d) Don't stop if you can get to the other side of the intersection before the light turns red

e) Stop, but only if you can do so safely before entering the intersection

The correct answer is (e) :  Michigan law (MCL 257.612(b)) states that "If the signal exhibits a steady yellow indication, vehicular traffic facing the signal shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at the intersection or at a limit line when marked, but if the stop cannot be made in safety, a vehicle may be driven cautiously through the intersection."

The interesting thing about this statute is that it contains a subjective standard.  Who decides if a stop can be "made in safety"?  Only the driver of a vehicle can make that determination based on a number of factors such as speed, road conditions, type of vehicle, traffic conditions, and even the length of the yellow signal.  Therefore, if you receive a ticket for disobeying a traffic signal, the obvious defense is that, in your judgment, you could not stop safely based on the conditions present.