Do you ignore the traffic lights on highway entrances?

Almost got rear ended because I've stopped in front on a red light before heading onto the free way. The driver behind had to sway to the right to avoid crashing behind me. Do i just ignore it if there's no traffic ahead of me and drive like there's no light? Those traffic lights are only when the entrance to the freeway is congested right? I'm asking because i don't encounter these traffic lights on the entrances until now.