Question

Difficulty: MediumRight-of-Way Rules at Intersections

You are stopped at an intersection where the traffic light is displaying a solid red signal. A uniformed traffic officer positioned in the center of the intersection gestures with hand signals for you to proceed forward. What is the correct action for you to take in this scenario?

  1. Proceed cautiously through the intersection as directed by the traffic officer, overriding the red light.Answer
  2. B
    Remain stopped at the intersection until the traffic light turns green, ignoring the officer's hand signals.
  3. C
    Treat the intersection as a four-way stop by waiting for cross traffic to clear before proceeding.
  4. D
    Execute a right turn immediately to avoid driving straight through the red light.

Answer

Proceed cautiously through the intersection as directed by the traffic officer, overriding the red light.
Manual directions provided by a law enforcement officer or authorized traffic controller supersede all traffic control devices, including steady red lights. Drivers are required by law to follow the officer's signals.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the active controlling authority at the intersection.
Recognize that a uniformed traffic officer is giving explicit manual hand signals.
Right-of-way rules mandate that direct commands from law enforcement personnel take precedence over electronic traffic signals.
2
Determine the legally required driver maneuver.
Obey the officer's gesture and proceed straight through the intersection cautiously.
Drivers must yield to the commands of traffic officers, even when those commands conflict with posted signs or active signal lights.

Key Concept

Traffic Officer Signal Priority
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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