Question

Difficulty: Very hardRegulatory Signs

A motorist driving on a two-lane rural highway encounters a white rectangular regulatory sign displaying the words 'PASS WITH CARE'. This sign grants the motorist legal authorization to initiate a passing maneuver around a slower vehicle regardless of limited sight distance caused by an approaching crest or curve.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is false. The 'PASS WITH CARE' regulatory sign indicates that a regulatory no-passing zone has ended, but it does not authorize a driver to pass when sight distance is obstructed by road geometry such as hills or curves.
The statement is false because the 'PASS WITH CARE' regulatory sign only marks the end of a posted no-passing zone. It does not exempt a driver from fundamental traffic laws that strictly forbid overtaking another vehicle when sight distance is impaired by hills, curves, weather, or oncoming traffic.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary function of the 'PASS WITH CARE' regulatory sign.
The sign marks the official termination of a posted 'NO PASSING ZONE' (previously established by a 'DO NOT PASS' sign or solid yellow line).
Regulatory signs inform drivers of specific legal traffic controls and where restrictions begin or end.
2
Analyze the relationship between regulatory sign termination and general rules of the road.
Lifting a specific no-passing prohibition restores general passing rules; it does not grant unconditional permission to pass.
Basic traffic laws mandate that a passing maneuver is only lawful when the left side of the roadway is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance.
3
Evaluate the truth value of the stem statement based on legal principles.
The statement falsely claims that the sign allows passing regardless of limited sight distance.
Overtaking on a hill crest or curve with obstructed visibility remains illegal and hazardous regardless of sign postings.

Key Concept

Regulatory Sign Boundaries vs. General Passing Safety Laws
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