What is a signalized intersection?

A signalized intersection is characterized by the presence of traffic control signals that are specifically designed to manage vehicle and pedestrian traffic. These signals provide clear instructions to road users, indicating when to stop or proceed, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency within the intersection. The use of traffic lights allows for coordinated movements, reducing the likelihood of accidents and improving the flow of traffic by managing conflicting movements of vehicles and pedestrians.

In contrast, other options describe different types of intersections: one relies on stop signs for control, another implies unrestricted traffic movement without management, and one suggests a lack of any traffic management system. Each of those scenarios functions without the operational framework provided by traffic control signals, which are central to the definition of a signalized intersection.