127k views
5 votes
You must obey signals given by a law enforcement officer even if the officers signals contradict the traffic signals

A TRUE
B FALSE

User Dishant
by
8.5k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The statement is true; you must obey signals given by a law enforcement officer even if they contradict traffic signals. Officers may be responding to emergencies that require immediate action overriding standard traffic rules.

Step-by-step explanation:

The answer to the statement about whether one must obey signals given by a law enforcement officer even if the officer's signals contradict the traffic signals is True. In the hierarchy of road command, a law enforcement officer’s instructions take precedence over traffic lights and signs. This is because officers may be responding to emergencies or situations that are not apparent to a regular driver, such as car chases, road hazards, or other incidents requiring traffic control beyond the scope of automated signals.

For example, a law enforcement official may need to direct vehicles through a red light to quickly clear the way for an ambulance or to redirect traffic after an accident. In contrast to the example of a driver being pulled over by police, which is a standard exercise of authority, an officer would not have the authority to command personal favors, such as demanding someone to mow their lawn.

Additionally, it's important to consider that a driver should always exercise good judgment in following instructions, particularly in situations where it may not be clear if the individual is a legitimate officer, such as when an officer is in plain clothes or in an unmarked car. However, a uniformed officer in a marked vehicle typically represents a clear authority in traffic situations.

User Yongju Lee
by
8.4k points