Question

Difficulty: MediumTraffic Officer Signals and Temporary Control Devices

While driving near a highway maintenance area, a traffic control officer explicitly signals you to cross over a solid double yellow line into an adjacent lane to pass maintenance equipment. Above your current lane, a temporary overhead signal displays a steady red X. Which of the following actions must you take?

  1. Follow the directions of the traffic officer and cross the solid double yellow line despite the steady red X signal.Answer
  2. B
    Stop immediately and wait until the overhead steady red X changes to a green arrow before moving.
  3. C
    Treat the overhead steady red X as a flashing yellow signal and proceed forward without crossing the double yellow line.
  4. D
    Bring your vehicle to a complete stop and yield to all surrounding traffic before ignoring the officer's commands.

Answer

Follow the directions of the traffic officer and cross the solid double yellow line despite the steady red X signal.
Directions given by a law enforcement or designated traffic control officer always supersede electronic signals, signs, and road markings. When an officer specifically instructs you to execute a maneuver that normally violates pavement markings or signal indications, you must follow the officer's hand directions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the hierarchy of traffic control devices and human traffic direction.
Recognize that lawful instructions from traffic officers override all signs, pavement markings, and electronic signals.
Traffic officers manage real-time hazards and temporary situations that standard automated signals cannot account for.
2
Apply the rule to the scenario.
Follow the officer's hand signal to cross the solid double yellow line.
The officer's directive legally supersedes both the solid double yellow line prohibiting passing and the steady red X lane signal.

Key Concept

Traffic Officer Signal Priority Over Signals and Markings
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