What is the right course of action now?

Stopping when required by traffic signals or signs is fundamental in German traffic rules to ensure safety for all road users. If you encounter a red light or a stop sign, you must come to a complete stop before the stop line or intersection. Continuing without stopping could lead to dangerous situations or penalties. Accelerating is not appropriate unless you have a clear, green signal or the road situation safely allows it. By stopping as required, you respect right-of-way rules and avoid collisions, ensuring a safe and orderly flow of traffic. This principle applies regardless of the vehicle type or road setting.