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Difficulty: HardPedestrian and Bicycle Signals and Markings

A driver is approaching a mid-block Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK signal) that is currently displaying two steady, solid red lights. At the same time, a uniformed law enforcement officer standing in the roadway manually directs approaching traffic to continue moving straight through the crosswalk without stopping. What is the driver legally required to do in this situation?

  1. Follow the directions of the law enforcement officer and proceed through the crosswalk without stopping.Answer
  2. B
    Come to a complete stop at the stop line and remain stopped until the solid red signal lights turn off, regardless of the officer's hand signals.
  3. C
    Stop completely at the stop line, yield to any pedestrians, and then proceed on the assumption that the signal is in a flashing red phase.
  4. D
    Slow down and proceed cautiously through the intersection without stopping, treating the beacon as a flashing yellow warning light.

Answer

Follow the directions of the law enforcement officer and proceed through the crosswalk without stopping.
Under traffic safety laws, manual directions from a uniformed law enforcement officer or authorized traffic control director supersede all automated traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings. Even though a solid red display on a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon normally mandates a complete stop, drivers must obey the officer's explicit instructions to proceed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary authority controlling traffic at the location.
Recognize that a uniformed law enforcement officer is giving explicit manual hand signals.
Traffic laws stipulate that manual instructions from an authorized officer supersede all traffic signals, signs, and road markings.
2
Evaluate the relationship between the HAWK beacon display and the officer's commands.
The officer's directive to proceed overrides the steady solid red light phase of the beacon.
Drivers must obey police officers even when their instructions conflict with active traffic control signals.
3
Determine the required driver action.
Proceed through the crosswalk safely as directed by the officer.
Failing to follow an officer's lawful direction creates traffic disruption and constitutes a moving violation.

Key Concept

Hierarchy of Traffic Controls and Officer Priority
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Topics

Pedestrian and Bicycle Signals and Markings

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