Question

Difficulty: MediumRegulatory Signs

A driver arrives at a signalized intersection displaying a steady red light alongside a white rectangular regulatory sign reading 'NO TURN ON RED'. A police officer directing traffic at the center of the intersection explicitly signals the driver to proceed with a right-hand turn. Which of the following actions is legally required of the driver?

  1. Carefully make the right turn as directed, because manual instructions from a traffic officer supersede regulatory signs and traffic light signals.Answer
  2. B
    Remain stopped at the intersection until the light turns green, because posted regulatory signs take precedence over verbal or hand signals from officers.
  3. C
    Treat the sign as a yield command, bringing the vehicle to a slow roll before making the turn without coming to a full stop.
  4. D
    Change lanes inside the intersection to proceed straight through instead of turning, avoiding the posted sign restriction entirely.

Answer

The driver must complete the right turn as directed by the traffic officer, as manual directions from authorized personnel override all traffic signals and regulatory signs.
Under standard traffic laws, manual directions given by a law enforcement officer or authorized traffic controller supersede all automated traffic signals, posted regulatory signs, and road markings. Therefore, the driver must follow the officer's instruction and complete the right turn despite the 'NO TURN ON RED' sign.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the hierarchy of traffic control devices and authority.
Recognize that human law enforcement officers directing traffic hold the highest priority over automated signals and static regulatory signs.
Traffic laws explicitly mandate compliance with lawful orders from police officers regardless of posted regulations.
2
Evaluate the conflict between the posted sign and the officer's gesture.
The officer's signal to turn right overrides the posted 'NO TURN ON RED' sign and the steady red light.
Officers manage real-time traffic flow, emergencies, or hazards that static signs cannot adapt to.
3
Select the required safe driving maneuver.
Proceed with the right turn cautiously while obeying the officer's hand signal.
Complying with officer directions ensures legal adherence and maintains overall intersection safety.

Key Concept

Priority of Law Enforcement Traffic Control over Regulatory Signs
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question