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Difficulty: HardTraffic Light Signals

A motorist approaches a signalized intersection intending to make a left turn. The traffic signal displays a steady red circular light accompanied by a steady green left-turn arrow. However, a uniformed traffic officer stationed in the center of the intersection is actively gesturing and signaling with a whistle for all traffic in the motorist's lane to stop. Which action must the motorist legally execute?

  1. A
    Proceed with the left turn cautiously, because a protected green arrow grants absolute legal right-of-way over manual traffic control signals.
  2. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop immediately, as lawful directions given by a traffic officer supersede any official traffic control signal indications.Answer
  3. C
    Yield to oncoming straight-through vehicles and turn left only when clear, treating the officer's presence as converting the signal into an unprotected left turn.
  4. D
    Slow down to a rolling speed and proceed through the turn without stopping fully, treating the officer's gesture like a flashing yellow cautionary indication.

Answer

The motorist must bring the vehicle to a complete stop immediately, as lawful directions given by a traffic officer supersede any official traffic control signal indications.
Under standard traffic laws and regulations, manual directions given by a law enforcement officer or designated traffic control officer supersede all automated traffic signals, posted regulatory signs, and pavement markings. Even though a steady green left-turn arrow typically permits a protected turn, the officer's direct command to stop takes absolute precedence, requiring the driver to stop immediately.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the active traffic control devices and authority figures present at the intersection.
The intersection contains both an automated signal (green left-turn arrow with red ball) and a manual traffic officer giving stop signals.
Determining all active control mechanisms is necessary to evaluate legal priority.
2
Apply the statutory order of precedence for traffic control devices and officer authority.
Manual directions given by a authorized traffic officer or police officer take precedence over all automated signals, signs, and pavement markings.
Traffic laws explicitly mandate compliance with an officer's hand signals even if automated signals indicate otherwise.
3
Select the required driver response based on the officer's command.
The driver must follow the officer's command to stop, disregarding the illuminated green left-turn arrow.
Disregarding an officer's explicit instruction to stop under a green light constitutes a traffic violation.

Key Concept

Traffic Officer Signal Priority Over Automated Traffic Control Signals
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Traffic Light Signals

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