Signs, signals and pavement markings
Your traffic light is green, but a traffic officer standing in the intersection signals you to stop. What must you do?
- Stop, because the officer's directions take precedence over the signal. Correct answer
- Continue, because a green light gives you the right to go.
- Continue with caution and stop at the next intersection instead.
Why
Directions from a traffic officer outrank signs, signals and pavement markings. If an officer tells you to stop while your light is green, you stop; if an officer waves you through a red light or a STOP sign, you go. Keep in mind who counts as someone authorized to direct traffic: besides police officers, the manual lists fire police, flag persons in highway work areas, school crossing persons and school bus drivers. If any of them and a signal tell you different things, the person wins.
Where this comes from
New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), April 2026 version. The correct answer is Stop, because the officer's directions take precedence over the signal.
More on signs, signals and pavement markings
- Ahead of you is a yellow, diamond-shaped sign with black symbols. What kind of sign is it?
- On a highway you notice a blue sign with white symbols. What is it most likely telling you?
- You want to know how far it is to the next town and which way to go. Which color of sign is meant to give you that information?
- A white sign shows a right-turn arrow with a red circle and a slash drawn over it. What does the sign mean?