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Difficulty: HardRight-of-Way Rules at Intersections

You are approaching a signalized intersection where the traffic light is displaying a solid red light. A uniformed law enforcement officer standing in the center of the intersection is actively gesturing for your lane of traffic to proceed straight through. On the cross street, vehicles are facing a solid green light and preparing to cross. Which traffic flow has the immediate right-of-way to proceed through the intersection?

  1. The lane of traffic directed by the law enforcement officer, because manual directions from an officer supersede traffic lights and standard right-of-way rulesAnswer
  2. B
    The cross-traffic vehicles, because a solid red light strictly forbids entering an intersection under any circumstance until the signal turns green
  3. C
    The cross-traffic vehicles, because drivers approaching from the right always retain right-of-way over traffic facing a red signal
  4. D
    Neither traffic flow, because conflicting control signals require all drivers to come to a full stop and treat the location as an all-way stop

Answer

The lane directed by the police officer has immediate right-of-way because officer hand gestures override all automated traffic signals and standard yielding rules.
In state driving manuals and traffic law, orders given by a police officer or authorized traffic controller supersede all posted traffic control devices, including green and red lights. Drivers instructed by an officer to move through a red light must obey the officer while maintaining reasonable caution.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the hierarchy of traffic control devices and authority present at the intersection.
Recognize that a live uniformed officer is directing traffic directly opposite to the static signal lights.
Traffic law establishes a strict hierarchy where official manual control by an officer supersedes electronic signals, stop signs, and yield rules.
2
Evaluate the conflict between the officer's instruction and cross-traffic green lights.
Determine that cross-traffic must yield to traffic acting under the explicit command of the law enforcement officer.
Drivers facing a green light must still yield to traffic already lawfully directed into or through the intersection by an authorized officer.
3
Formulate the correct driving procedure.
Proceed cautiously through the intersection following the officer's hand gesture while remaining alert for hazards.
Obeying lawful officer instructions ensures safe traffic control during special events, emergencies, or signal malfunctions.

Key Concept

Traffic Officer Signal Precedence
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Right-of-Way Rules at Intersections

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