Photo: Tony Zohari / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
In Great Britain you MUST obey signals from police officers, traffic officers, DVSA officers, traffic wardens and school crossing patrols (Highway Code Rule 105). This explainer covers who can stop you, how each one signals, what you must do, and the school crossing patrol “Stop for children” sign under Rule 210.
Who can stop or direct you?
| Who | How they signal | What you must do | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police | From behind: flashing blue lights, headlights, siren or horn, or by pointing and/or using the left indicator. On foot: arm signals to stop or beckon you on | Pull over and stop as soon as it is safe, then switch off your engine (Rule 106) | Anywhere |
| DVSA officers | Flashing amber lights, from the front (follow them) or from behind (pull over) | Obey their signals. Not complying is an offence (Rule 107) | Any road vehicle, anywhere |
| Traffic officers (uniformed) | Flashing amber lights, usually from behind, then pointing and/or the left indicator to direct you to the side of the road | Pull over and stop when safe, switch off your engine. Not complying is an offence (Rule 108) | Most motorways and some A roads in England and Wales |
| Traffic wardens | Directions and signs | Obey them (Rule 105) | Anywhere they are directing traffic |
| School crossing patrols | “Stop for children” sign | Stop (Rule 210) | Near schools |
Traffic officers usually stop vehicles for safety reasons, for example an insecure load (Rule 108).
Police signals on foot
The Highway Code shows police officers signalling three ways to stop traffic: traffic approaching from the front, from both front and behind, and from behind. There is also a signal to beckon traffic on from the side, front or behind. In Wales, bilingual markings appear on emergency service vehicles and clothing.
If an officer is controlling a junction, follow their signal even if the traffic light says otherwise. Watch their hands, and if you are unsure, wait.
Arm signals you give to the person controlling traffic
The Highway Code also shows arm signals a driver can give to a police officer or other person controlling traffic, to show you intend to:
- go straight ahead
- turn left (either hand)
- turn right
These are separate from the arm signals you give to other road users. See signalling with indicators, arm signals and headlights.
School crossing patrols: the four signals
- Not ready: the patrol is not yet ready for pedestrians to cross.
- Barrier: the sign is held out to stop pedestrians crossing.
- Ready to cross: pedestrians are ready, so vehicles must be prepared to stop.
- All vehicles stop: you must stop.
Rule 210 makes stopping a legal MUST when the patrol shows the “Stop for children” sign. Rule 208 adds: near schools, drive slowly, and where a flashing amber signal sits under a “School” warning sign, children may be crossing ahead.
Scenario: blue lights behind you on a dual carriageway
A police car behind you flashes its headlights and points to the left. Signal left, find a safe place (a lay-by or hard verge, not a bend or a junction), stop, and switch off the engine. If the police car simply wants to get past, see letting emergency vehicles pass.
Common questions
Can a traffic officer pull me over?
Yes, on most motorways and some A roads in England and Wales. You must stop when safe. Not complying is an offence (Rule 108).
How do I know it is a DVSA officer?
DVSA officers use flashing amber lights. They may drive in front and ask you to follow, or signal from behind to pull over (Rule 107).
Do I have to stop for a lollipop person?
Yes. When a school crossing patrol shows the “Stop for children” sign, you MUST stop (Rule 210).
What if a police officer waves me through a red light?
Follow the officer. Rule 105 requires you to obey police signals, and they override the lights.
Should I switch my engine off when stopped by police?
Yes. Rules 106 and 108 both say stop as soon as it is safe and then switch off your engine.
Related: road users requiring extra care, regulatory signs and Highway Code light signals. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.
Sources
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Signals by authorised persons” (gov.uk)
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158)” (gov.uk)
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Road users requiring extra care (204 to 225)” (gov.uk)