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Question

Difficulty: MediumRight-of-Way Rules at Intersections

You are driving toward a busy intersection where the overhead traffic signal is displaying a solid green light. However, a law enforcement officer stationed in the center of the intersection clearly signals with their hands for your lane of traffic to come to a stop. Which of the following actions must you take?

  1. Obey the traffic officer's hand signal and come to a complete stop, disregarding the green traffic light.Answer
  2. B
    Proceed cautiously through the intersection because an automated electric traffic signal takes precedence over manual officer hand gestures.
  3. C
    Slow down to treat the intersection as a yield zone and proceed only if cross-street traffic is actively moving.
  4. D
    Stop temporarily, sound your horn to notify the officer of the green light, and then continue straight.

Answer

Obey the traffic officer's hand signal and come to a complete stop, disregarding the green traffic light.
Under standard traffic laws, hand directions given by a police or traffic control officer take absolute priority over electric traffic signals, pavement markings, and posted signs. When an officer signals to stop, you must obey their command even if the traffic light is green.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the conflict between the automated signal and the officer's hand direction.
Recognize that the signal shows solid green while the officer indicates a mandatory stop.
Traffic situations often involve emergency or manual overrides that conflict with standard signals.
2
Apply the statutory order of right-of-way precedence.
Determine that manual directions from a law enforcement officer override all signs and signals.
State vehicle codes mandate that official personnel on-scene possess ultimate authority over automated devices.
3
Execute the required driving action.
Bring the vehicle to a safe and complete stop before entering the intersection.
Drivers must obey the officer's signal until explicitly instructed to proceed.

Key Concept

Traffic Officer Priority over Control Signals
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Topics

Right-of-Way Rules at Intersections

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