Question

Difficulty: MediumTraffic Light Signals

While approaching an intersection, you observe that the traffic light display shows a solid green light. However, a police officer standing in the center of the intersection manually signals for you to stop. What is the legally required action?

  1. Stop as directed by the officer, because manual traffic control from law enforcement supersedes electronic traffic signals.Answer
  2. B
    Proceed through the intersection because a solid green light legally grants absolute right-of-way over manual gestures.
  3. C
    Slow down and proceed with caution after tapping your brakes to signal to the officer that you have the green light.
  4. D
    Stop completely, yield to pedestrians, and then proceed through the green signal regardless of the officer's hand signal.

Answer

Stop as directed by the officer, because manual traffic control from law enforcement supersedes electronic traffic signals.
Directions given by a police officer or designated traffic control official always supersede traffic control signals, signs, and pavement markings. When an officer signals to stop, drivers must stop regardless of the signal light color.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the conflict between traffic control devices and manual traffic control.
Recognize that both a solid green traffic light and a police officer's stop gesture are present.
Traffic laws dictate a clear hierarchy of control when conflicts occur at intersections.
2
Apply statutory priority rules for traffic control.
Determine that directions given by a traffic officer or police officer override electronic signals, regulatory signs, and standard right-of-way rules.
Law enforcement officer commands are paramount to ensure safety and respond to immediate road conditions.

Key Concept

Traffic officer directions supersede electronic traffic light signals.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question