(The Office of the Governor) — The CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office, in coordination with the Department of Public Safety, is issuing a traffic advisory for all motorists due to ongoing power outages affecting traffic signal lights and infrastructure.
Effective immediately, all drivers are reminded that any intersection with a non-functioning or dark traffic signal must be treated as an all-way stop. This is a critical safety measure to prevent collisions and ensure the orderly movement of traffic across the CNMI.
To ensure the safety of the community and emergency responders, the following protocols must be followed:
• Complete Stop. Every vehicle must come to a full stop at the intersection line.
• Order of Arrival. The first vehicle to reach the intersection has the right of way.
• Concurrent Arrival. If two vehicles arrive at the same time from different directions, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
• Left Turns. Drivers turning left must yield to all oncoming traffic unless they reached the intersection first and have established the right-of-way.
• Pedestrian Awareness. Exercise extreme caution for pedestrians, especially at night when street lighting may not be functioning.
The Department of Public Safety will be monitoring major intersections to assist with traffic flow.
However, motorists should not rely solely on the presence of officers and must adhere to all-way stop procedures at all times when signals are dark.
Safe driving reminders
• Reduce Speed: Slow down well in advance of any intersection.
• Stay Alert: Treat every dark signal as a stop sign, even if no other vehicles are present.
• Communication: Use your turn signals to alert other drivers of your intentions.
CNMI HSEM and DPS continue to work together to monitor road conditions and will provide updates as power is restored to traffic signals.
