If you encounter a hold-short signal, what action is required?

• A. Accelerate to clear the intersection quickly
• B. Stop and await further clearance or instruction
• C. Turn around to avoid the signal
• D. Continue with caution through the intersection

Answer: (B)

A hold-short signal means you must stop before the intersection and wait for explicit clearance to proceed. This keeps aircraft and vehicles separated and prevents runway incursions, so you only move again when ATC or ground control tells you to. You should apply the brakes, stay stopped at the designated hold line, and not cross or accelerate until you receive clear instructions. If you’re already waiting and nothing is forthcoming, you should contact ATC to obtain the necessary clearance.

The other actions undermine safety: accelerating to “clear the intersection quickly” could bring you into conflict with other traffic, turning around to avoid the signal ignores the requirement to obtain clearance, and continuing with caution without clearance risks crossing a protected area without approval.