Q. Lucille Williams said she’s reached the conclusion that many drivers are confused about what traffic laws are applicable – especially regarding right-of-way – at a traffic signal that’s blacked out in all directions.

“How should drivers proceed through such an intersection?” asked the resident of the Sun City section of Menifee. “How is right-of-way determined?”

A. An intersection with an inoperative, blacked-out traffic signal should be treated as if it had stop signs in all directions, according to the DMV’s California Driver Handbook (page 24).

Generally, drivers –regardless of which direction they’re headed – should stop, then proceed cautiously when it’s safe to do so, while adhering to normal right-of-way rules. The issue also is addressed in section 21800 (d) (1) of the California Vehicle Code: A driver approaching an intersection with an official traffic control signal that’s inoperative shall stop, then proceed with caution when it’s safe to do so.

“I have stopped many drivers for this violation,” said retired California High Patrol Lt. Mike Soubirous. “Their usual answer about the blacked-out light (usually caused by a power outage) was ‘I had no red light so didn’t stop.’ I would ask them about the driver who was on the cross street. What would you say when they drove into the intersection at 45 miles an hour and hit you? The response usually was, ‘I hadn’t thought about that.’

“It’s a very dangerous situation. Most drivers treat this as a freebie in that they don’t have to stop. I’ve been sent to many fatal crashes due to this. Very important that drivers know this law. If the light becomes inoperable, they are required to first stop, then yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on their right or stopped at the intersection before them. Drivers in this situation should be extra careful as they may think others will be paying attention – which often is not the case.”

Q. Can a vehicle with disabled-person license plates or displaying a DP placard park free in a metered space? Bertha Heatley said her neighbor claims that’s true.

“I find this hard to believe,” the Riverside resident said. “That I can park anywhere there’s a parking meter, anytime – and free of charge. What are the rules and regulations on this?”

A. In general, the neighbor is correct, based on the vehicle code’s section 22511.5, subsection (a) (2):

A disabled person or disabled veteran displaying special license plates (issued under the vehicle code’s section 5007) or displaying a similar distinguishing placard can park in any metered parking space without being required to pay meter fees.

Q. “My father-in-law claims it’s illegal to follow within 200 feet of a fire engine on the highway,” Redlands resident Kevin Kendall said. “That sounds exaggerated to me. Or is he right?”

A. Your father-in-law’s comment was slightly inaccurate and incomplete – but not exaggerated. Section 21706 of the vehicle code prohibits motorists from following within 300 feet (not 200 feet) of any authorized emergency vehicle, not just a firetruck. This is true provided that vehicle is being driven in response to an emergency situation or some other rescue operation or in pursuit of a suspected or actual violator of the law (as further explained in section 21055).

Thus, it’s normally OK to follow closer than 300 feet behind a firetruck, police car or other emergency vehicle if it’s on a routine drive or patrol.

Confused about state or local traffic laws? Send questions and concerns, with your name, email address, phone number and city of residence, to ontheroad@pe.com. Or phone 951-368-9670.

Contact the writer: ontheroad@pe.com, or 951-368-9670