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Difficulty: HardRight-of-Way Rules at Intersections

You are driving toward a signalized intersection where the overhead traffic signal displays a solid red light in your direction. A uniformed traffic officer standing in the center of the intersection explicitly gestures for your lane of traffic to proceed straight ahead. At the same time, an oncoming vehicle is waiting to execute a left turn across your lane. Which of the following actions must you take?

  1. Follow the traffic officer's direction and proceed straight through the intersection, taking precedence over both the red light signal and the turning vehicle.Answer
  2. B
    Remain completely stopped at the red light until it turns green, because automated electronic traffic signals take priority over manual hand gestures.
  3. C
    Yield the right-of-way to the oncoming left-turning vehicle first, because vehicles making turns at red light intersections have statutory priority.
  4. D
    Treat the intersection as an uncontrolled four-way stop by stopping completely and yielding right-of-way to any vehicle positioned to your right.

Answer

Follow the traffic officer's direction and proceed straight through the intersection, taking precedence over both the red light signal and the turning vehicle.
Directions given by an authorized traffic control officer or law enforcement officer supersede all traffic light signals, posted regulatory signs, and standard right-of-way rules. When an officer gestures for your lane to proceed, you must follow their instructions even if the overhead signal is red.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the hierarchy of traffic control elements present at the intersection.
Recognize that a human traffic officer, an active electronic traffic signal displaying red, and an oncoming left-turning vehicle are all present.
Determining priority among conflicting signals is essential for traffic safety.
2
Apply the statutory rule regarding traffic officer authority.
Establish that manual signals from a uniformed law enforcement or traffic officer supersede electronic traffic lights, stop/yield signs, and general right-of-way conventions.
Traffic officers manage real-time road conditions and hold top priority in the traffic control hierarchy.
3
Determine the required vehicle action based on the officer's command.
Proceed straight as directed by the officer while exercising due caution for traffic clearance.
Obeying the officer's direct command maintains order and prevents confusion at the intersection.

Key Concept

Traffic Officer Signal Priority Over Standard Signals and Right-of-Way Rules
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Right-of-Way Rules at Intersections

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