Signals from police and other road users
Not every instruction comes from a sign or a traffic light. Police officers, traffic officers, school crossing patrols and road workers can all direct traffic, and other road users signal their plans too.
Knowing which signals you must obey, and which ones you should treat with caution, keeps you safe and legal.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can recognise and obey signals from police officers, traffic officers and school crossing patrols.
- You can respond correctly if the police want to stop you.
- You can give the three main arm signals clearly.
- You can read signals from other road users and decide safely what they mean.
What you need to know and understand
- You MUST obey signals from police officers, traffic officers and traffic wardens, and signs used by school crossing patrols (Highway Code rule 105).
- If the police want to stop you, they may use flashing blue lights, headlights, a siren or horn, and point or use their left indicator. You MUST pull over and stop when safe, then switch off your engine (rule 106).
- DVSA officers can stop vehicles on all roads, and traffic officers can stop vehicles on most motorways and some A roads in England and Wales. Both use flashing amber lights (rules 107 and 108).
- You MUST stop when a school crossing patrol shows a Stop for children sign (rule 210).
- Hand-held Stop and Go boards at road works are signs giving orders, so you must obey them.
- Only flash your headlights to let others know you are there. Never assume another driver's flash means it is safe to go (rules 110 and 111).
- An indicator on another vehicle may have been left on by mistake (rule 104).
Signals you must obey
A police officer controlling traffic may raise a hand to stop you, or wave you on. Watch their arms carefully and stay alert: they may be directing traffic from the front, the side or behind. Traffic officers and DVSA officers use similar hand and light signals, and failing to follow their directions is an offence.
A school crossing patrol, often called a lollipop person, will hold up the Stop for children sign. Slow down as you approach and be ready to stop, then wait until they have left the road. Do not overtake when approaching a school crossing patrol (rule 167).
Being pulled over by the police
Stay calm. The police will usually signal from behind. Respond in a steady, controlled way.
- Check your mirrors and acknowledge the signal.
- Signal left and find a safe place to stop as soon as you can.
- Pull over and stop.
- Switch off your engine and wait for instructions.
Arm signals and other drivers' signals
Arm signals are useful if your indicators fail, or to reinforce a signal in bright sun. Use your right arm out of the driver's window.
- Turning right: right arm held straight out to the side.
- Turning left: right arm out and moved in an anticlockwise circle.
- Slowing down or stopping: right arm out and moved slowly up and down.
Reading what others tell you
Treat other people's signals as information, not permission. A flashed headlight might mean go ahead, or it might be meant for someone else. An indicator might be left on by mistake. Horse riders may signal you to slow down or stop, and you should heed this (rule 215). Brake lights and hazard warning lights ahead are early warnings to slow down.
On the driving test, the examiner may see you respond to a police signal or a crossing patrol, so show that you have spotted them early.
Common mistakes
- Stopping suddenly when the police signal you. Check mirrors and pull over safely.
- Pulling out because another driver flashed their lights. Look for yourself first.
- Approaching a school crossing patrol too fast. Slow down early near schools.
- Trusting an indicator. Wait until the vehicle actually starts to turn.
Test yourself: Signals from police and other road users
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Highway Code rules 104 to 111 (gov.uk); Highway Code rules 167, 210 and 215 (gov.uk); Highway Code: Signals by authorised persons and Signals to other road users (gov.uk). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the DVSA.