What does a yield sign indicate?

A yield sign is a traffic control device that instructs drivers to slow down and be prepared to yield to any oncoming traffic or pedestrians that are crossing the roadway. The primary purpose of the yield sign is to ensure safety at intersections or where one road merges into another. When approaching a yield sign, the driver must assess whether it is safe to continue; if there are vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection or approaching from the side, the driver must give way.

This means that if traffic is present, the driver must stop and allow it to pass before proceeding. However, if the road is clear, the driver may proceed without stopping, but they must still be cautious. The key aspect of the yield sign is the requirement to give way to others, which enhances overall safety on the road. Other options do not fully encompass the requirements of a yield sign, thus making them less accurate in describing its function.