Question

Difficulty: Very hardTraffic Light Signals

You are approaching a multi-lane intersection intending to turn left. The overhead traffic signal displays a solid green circular light; however, a uniformed traffic officer stationed in the center of the intersection is gesturing for your lane to stop. What is the legally required action?

  1. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop before entering the intersection and yield until the traffic officer directs you to proceed.Answer
  2. B
    Proceed through the turn cautiously at a reduced speed, because automated electronic traffic lights legally supersede manual officer directions.
  3. C
    Complete the left turn after yielding to oncoming traffic, because a solid green light grants permissive right-of-way regardless of manual instructions.
  4. D
    Slow down and treat the intersection as a flashing yellow signal, relying on cross traffic to stop for the officer.

Answer

Bring your vehicle to a complete stop before entering the intersection and yield until the traffic officer directs you to proceed.
Under statutory traffic laws, manual directions given by a police officer or authorized traffic controller supersede any automated electronic traffic signal or road sign. Drivers must comply with the officer's explicit instructions regardless of whether the signal light displays green, yellow, or red.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the competing traffic control signals at the intersection.
Observation reveals an active electronic signal showing solid green alongside a manual stop direction from a uniformed traffic officer.
Recognizing conflicting traffic controls is essential to establishing legal right-of-way priority.
2
Apply the statutory precedence rule for traffic control.
Manual directions given by law enforcement officers or authorized control personnel override all electronic signal lights and posted signs.
Traffic officers manage localized real-time traffic safety, special incidents, and signal overrides.
3
Determine the mandatory driver response.
Stop the vehicle completely prior to entering the crosswalk or intersection line and await explicit instruction from the officer.
Disobeying a traffic officer's order is a serious moving violation regardless of traffic light status.

Key Concept

Traffic Control Officer Priority Over Traffic Signals
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