If a freeway entrance has ramp meters that are on, what should you do?

When ramp meters are activated, they serve to manage the flow of traffic entering the freeway by controlling the rate at which vehicles can merge onto the main roadway. Stopping at the stop line and waiting for the green indicates that you understand the system's purpose to prevent congestion and maintain a smooth flow of traffic. This allows vehicles on the freeway to safely and efficiently accommodate those merging from the ramps. By following this procedure, you contribute to safer driving conditions and help reduce the likelihood of traffic jams or accidents that can occur when vehicles enter the freeway at an uncontrolled pace.

Opting to speed up and merge quickly can create dangerous situations due to sudden changes in speed and unexpected lane changes. Likewise, going around the stop line disregards the traffic control measure, which could lead to unsafe merging conditions. Ignoring the ramp meters altogether fails to comply with traffic regulations and increases the risk of collisions. Therefore, the appropriate and safest action where ramp meters are in operation is to stop at the stop line and wait for the signal to proceed.