Question

Difficulty: HardRegulatory Signs

A driver is traveling in the far-right lane of an arterial street approaching an intersection. Directly above the lane, a white rectangular regulatory sign displays a black straight arrow combined with a right-turning arrow and the text 'RIGHT LANE MUST TURN RIGHT'. The driver intends to continue straight through the intersection, but notices that the traffic signal is green and there are no other vehicles or pedestrians nearby. Which of the following actions is the driver legally required to take?

  1. Complete a right turn at the intersection as mandated by the regulatory sign, and then navigate a lawful route back to the intended path.Answer
  2. B
    Proceed straight through the intersection since the traffic light is green and no traffic is present to yield to.
  3. C
    Bring the vehicle to a complete stop at the intersection, signal left, and wait until it is safe to merge into the adjacent straight-through lane before proceeding.
  4. D
    Proceed straight through the intersection at a reduced speed below the basic speed limit while exercising elevated caution.

Answer

The driver must complete the right turn at the intersection as mandated by the regulatory sign, and subsequently find a legal way to return to their intended route.
White rectangular traffic signs with black lettering or symbols are regulatory signs that convey mandatory laws. A 'RIGHT LANE MUST TURN RIGHT' sign legally obligates any driver occupying that lane to turn right at the intersection. Failing to make the turn constitutes a traffic violation, even if the traffic light is green and no other vehicles or pedestrians are in sight. The driver must execute the turn safely and reroute afterward.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the type and authority of the posted road sign.
The sign is a white rectangular regulatory sign ('RIGHT LANE MUST TURN RIGHT'), which carries the force of law.
Regulatory signs establish legally enforceable driver requirements rather than advisory warnings or informational guidance.
2
Evaluate the movement restrictions imposed on the vehicle's current lane.
Vehicles in the right lane are legally restricted to turning right only.
Regulatory lane-use signs strictly prohibit maneuvers not authorized by the sign, such as proceeding straight through.
3
Determine the lawful response despite surrounding conditions.
The driver must turn right at the intersection even though the signal is green and no other traffic is present.
Regulatory sign compliance is mandatory and is not negated by clear traffic conditions or a green signal light.

Key Concept

Mandatory Compliance with Regulatory Lane-Use Control Signs
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