Question

Difficulty: HardTraffic Light Signals

You are approaching a signalized intersection where the traffic light is displaying a steady circular red light. A uniformed traffic officer standing in the center of the intersection explicitly signals with hand gestures for you to proceed straight through. What is your legally required action?

  1. A
    Remain stopped at the limit line until the circular light turns green, as electronic signals legally supersede manual hand gestures.
  2. B
    Treat the steady red light as a flashing yellow signal by slowing down and proceeding through without coming to a complete stop.
  3. Follow the officer's hand directions and proceed through the intersection despite the red signal.Answer
  4. D
    Stop completely at the line and treat the signal as a pedestrian hybrid beacon sequence requiring a full light cycle wait.

Answer

Follow the officer's hand directions and proceed through the intersection despite the red signal.
Lawful manual directions from a uniformed traffic officer or police officer supersede all traffic control devices, including steady red lights, stop signs, and lane control signals. Drivers must follow the officer's explicit instructions regardless of what color the traffic light is displaying.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the conflict between the traffic control devices
Recognize that an active steady red signal conflicts with direct hand instructions from a traffic officer.
Traffic safety statutes establish a strict hierarchy when multiple traffic control directives are present.
2
Apply the right-of-way legal hierarchy rule
Determine that manual directions from a authorized traffic officer or law enforcement officer supersede all electronic traffic signals.
Traffic officers manage real-time intersection hazards, emergency routing, and signal overrides.
3
Select the required driver response
Safely obey the officer's gesture to proceed straight through the red signal.
Failing to follow an officer's direct command creates an immediate hazard and violates traffic laws.

Key Concept

Traffic Officer Signal Priority
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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