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Difficulty: MediumTraffic Officer Signals and Temporary Control Devices

You are driving along a busy thoroughfare toward an intersection where a temporary traffic signal displays a solid green light. As you approach, a police officer standing in the center of the roadway raises an open palm facing your vehicle and then motions clearly for you to turn right into a side street. What is the legally required action for you to take?

  1. Follow the officer's hand directions by stopping and turning right into the side street, overriding the solid green signal light.Answer
  2. B
    Proceed straight ahead through the intersection because an active green traffic signal takes legal precedence over manual hand gestures.
  3. C
    Stop completely and remain motionless in the middle of the travel lane until the officer steps onto the sidewalk and the signal light changes.
  4. D
    Treat the intersection as a flashing yellow hazard zone and cautiously proceed straight past the officer at reduced speed.

Answer

The driver must follow the police officer's hand signals by stopping and making the designated right turn, overriding the electronic green light.
Manual directions given by a law enforcement officer or authorized traffic control person always take legal precedence over automated traffic control devices, including green traffic signals. Drivers must follow the officer's hand gestures regardless of what color the signal light shows.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the conflict between traffic control inputs
Recognize that the overhead traffic signal shows green, while a police officer manually signals for a right turn.
Traffic law dictates a strict hierarchy of authority when multiple traffic control devices or officials give conflicting instructions.
2
Apply the legal rule of traffic control hierarchy
Determine that manual hand directions from an authorized traffic or law enforcement officer supersede all electronic traffic signals, posted signs, and pavement markings.
Officers manage temporary hazards or incidents that automated systems cannot account for.
3
Determine the required vehicle maneuver
Comply fully with the officer's gesture by bringing the vehicle under control and executing the indicated turn.
Drivers must obey lawful commands of traffic officers at all times for safety and traffic management.

Key Concept

Hierarchy of traffic control directives (officer signals overriding electronic signals)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Traffic Officer Signals and Temporary Control Devices

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