Can you interpret this for me please...

[aspar22]

The driver of a vehicle in the area shall comply with all signals and instructions given by an officer.


Does this read as "....signals [eg hand] and instructions [eg verbal commands] given by an officer". ie the signals and instructions must originate from the officer for them to be binding.

Or is it "...signals [of any sort and from anywhere [eg traffic lights, road signs]] and instructions [verbal commands] given by an officer..ie only the instructions need originate from an officer??


I would argue that for it to be the latter, there should be a comma after the word "signals".

[islandgirl]

a) why does it matter and b) although the comma may be preferable in written English on a roadsign I would not expect perfect grammar. Just do as anything or anyone tells you to. Is there a story to tell or anything you need help with?

[aspar22]

Nothing I need help with...but related to traffic violation

It matters because...Authority is saying that 'signals' means road signs and traffic lights.....I'm arguing that it means signals from an officer....

[islandgirl]

I see how it could be read that way and you may wish to run it as an argument against points / fine but as a magistrate who sometimes sits in the traffic court I don't think you would win - but I may be wrong! You would need to find some strong arguments and precedent to support your viewpoint. Let us know what happens if you go ahead.