Which of the following must you obey over the other three?
- A steady red light
- A police officer ✓
- A stop sign
- A flashing red light
Answer: B. A police officer
You must obey a police officer over a steady red light, a stop sign, and a flashing red light.
Why this is the answer
The manual says directions from traffic officers take precedence over signs, signals, and pavement markings. It gives examples: if an officer signals you to stop at a green light, you stop; if an officer signals you to go through a red light or stop sign, you do it. Police officers are listed among those authorized to direct traffic. So when a police officer's directions conflict with a steady red light, a stop sign, or a flashing red light, the officer's directions control.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. A steady red light — A steady red light is a signal, and the manual puts an officer's directions above signals.
- C. A stop sign — A stop sign is a sign, so an officer's directions outrank it.
- D. A flashing red light — A flashing red light is a signal, so an officer's directions outrank it.
Remember it
Think of the officer as the top of the traffic-control chain: directions first, then signs and signals.