Under what condition can a driver legally disregard a traffic signal?

A driver can legally disregard a traffic signal when directed by a law enforcement officer because that officer has the authority to manage traffic and ensure safety, even if it conflicts with ordinary traffic signals. In such situations, the officer's instructions take precedence, as they are trained to make real-time decisions that protect road users and facilitate the flow of traffic. This is crucial for maintaining public safety, particularly in emergency scenarios or during special events.

In contrast, the other circumstances do not hold legal justification for ignoring traffic signals. Being late is not a valid reason to break traffic laws, as it can endanger both the driver and other road users. Nighttime conditions do not change a driver's obligation to obey signals; visibility can indeed vary, but traffic laws remain constant. Lastly, the type of vehicle being driven, such as a company vehicle, does not affect a driver's responsibility to follow traffic signals; the law applies uniformly to all vehicles.