What does a yield sign mean?

A yield sign is an important traffic control device that indicates to drivers the necessity of slowing down and yielding the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians at an intersection. When a driver encounters a yield sign, they must be prepared to stop if necessary, allowing other road users to proceed first if they are already in the intersection or approaching it. This is crucial for maintaining safety and order on the road, as yielding helps prevent collisions.

In contrast to other options, the yield sign does not require a complete stop unless there are vehicles or pedestrians present. The concept of taking turns at the intersection can apply in certain scenarios, but the primary instruction conveyed by a yield sign is about yielding right-of-way rather than negotiating turns. Proceeding through an intersection without yielding could lead to unsafe situations, which the yield sign is specifically designed to prevent. Thus, the correct understanding of a yield sign revolves around the responsibility to slow down and give way as necessary.