Construction crews, officers or traffic lights, who's in charge?

Trooper Steve answers News 6 viewer traffic questions

ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.

Michelle, of Rockledge, asked, "What is the safest, legal thing to do when coming to an intersection with a functioning light and an officer directing traffic?"

"When approaching any intersection, I always encourage drivers to be on high alert," Montiero said. "But I can understand the added stress when you see all the bright and flashing lights ahead. What do you do? Who’s in charge?"

Rule No. 1 is to slow down, Montiero said. 

"As you approach the intersection, you want to see if there is a construction crew or law enforcement officer controlling the flow of traffic. If so, they are in charge of traffic movement."

Florida law recognizes officers or crews as the primary traffic control device.

"Even if the light is green and they are instructing you to stop, you need to stop," Montiero said. "If the light is red and they instruct you to go, then go."

This is not a everyday situation, so it's the driver's job job to proceed with caution, he said.

If you have a traffic question, just Ask Trooper Steve here.


About the Authors:

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

Steven Montiero, better known as “Trooper Steve," joined the News 6 morning team as its Traffic Safety Expert in October 2017. A Central Florida native and decorated combat veteran, Montiero comes to the station following an eight-year assignment with the Florida Highway Patrol.

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