What legal authority do flaggers have compared to police officers?

• A. They can arrest drivers
• B. They can issue tickets
• C. They can set speed limits
• D. Flaggers do not have the legal authority to regulate, control, or direct traffic

Answer: (D)

Flaggers don’t have police powers. Their authority is limited to directing traffic inside a work zone as part of the approved traffic control plan and under the supervisor’s direction. They can guide drivers to slow down, stop, or proceed through the work area to keep workers and motorists safe, but they cannot arrest drivers, issue tickets, or set or change speed limits. Those powers belong to law enforcement and the posted traffic rules. When a flagger signals you, you must follow that direction for safety, but enforcement beyond the work zone is handled by police, not the flagger.