61-8-201. Obedience to traffic control devices -- exception for certain vehicles and funeral processions. (1) Unless otherwise directed by a peace officer, flag person, crossing guard, or public safety worker, the driver of a vehicle shall obey the instructions of an official traffic control device applicable to the driver's vehicle and placed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, a police vehicle, or a highway patrol vehicle and the driver of a motor vehicle in a funeral procession are exempt from obedience to official traffic control devices and flag persons as provided in this chapter.

(2) A provision of this chapter for which traffic control devices or flag persons are required may not be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation an official traffic control device or flag person is not in proper position and sufficiently legible or visible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person. Whenever a particular section of this chapter does not state that official traffic control devices or flag persons are required, the section is effective even though traffic control devices are not erected or in place.

(3) Official traffic control devices or flag persons that are placed or held in position substantially conforming to the requirements of this chapter and the requirements of the uniform system adopted by the department of transportation pursuant to 61-8-202 are presumed to have been placed by an official act or at the discretion of a lawful authority.