Signals by authorised persons

Police signal: stop traffic approaching from behind

Traffic approaching from behind

What does this signal mean?

The officer raises one arm behind them, palm outward, to stop the traffic coming from that direction. It is the signal drivers most often miss, because from a distance an arm raised behind the body looks less emphatic than one raised in front. If you are approaching the officer from behind, this signal is addressed to you. Stop and wait rather than assuming a signal you cannot fully see applies to someone else.

Highway Code references

• Rule 105 from General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158)

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