PoliceBosnia and Herzegovina

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


13. Police

Police are public authorities responsible for enforcing laws, maintaining public safety and managing situations that may affect road traffic. In traffic, police officers may control vehicles, enforce traffic rules, investigate collisions, direct traffic and respond to emergencies.

Road users must follow lawful instructions given by police officers or other authorised traffic-control personnel. Police directions may temporarily override traffic lights, road signs or normal traffic arrangements, depending on local law.

Police
Police vehicle of Republika Srpska. (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Wikimedia.org • Petar Milošević • CC BY
What is the role of police in road traffic?

Police help enforce traffic laws, manage traffic, investigate collisions and respond to dangerous situations. They may also carry out roadside checks and direct road users.

Must you obey a police officer directing traffic?

Yes. Lawful directions given by an authorised police officer must be followed. In many countries, those directions take precedence over traffic lights, road signs and normal priority rules.

What should you do if police signal you to stop?

Slow down, follow the officer's directions and stop at a safe location as instructed. Do not make sudden movements or continue driving unless directed to do so.

Can police direct you through a red traffic light?

Yes, where authorised by local law. A police officer controlling traffic may instruct road users to proceed even when a traffic light or sign would normally require them to stop.

Can police check your driving documents?

Yes. Police may require drivers to provide documents such as a driving licence, vehicle registration, identification or proof of insurance according to local law.

Can police carry out alcohol or drug checks?

Yes. Traffic police may conduct legally authorised alcohol and drug checks using procedures such as breath, saliva or other approved tests.

Can police temporarily close a road?

Yes. Roads or lanes may be temporarily closed or traffic diverted because of collisions, emergencies, investigations, public events or other safety concerns.

What should you do near police controlling an accident scene?

Reduce speed, remain alert and follow all directions. Do not enter a closed area or interfere with emergency personnel, and leave sufficient space for emergency vehicles.

What should you do when a police vehicle approaches with emergency signals?

Follow the local rules for priority vehicles. Drivers generally have to make sufficient space, give way and stop where necessary so that the emergency vehicle can pass safely.

Can police order a parked vehicle to be moved?

Yes, where local law permits it. Police or another authorised authority may require a vehicle to be moved when it obstructs traffic, creates danger or must be removed for operational reasons.

1 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2 Motorway 3 Quay 4 Give way 5 Roundabout 6 Railway crossing 7 Traffic lights 8 International border 9 Reversing 10 City limit 11 Tourist attraction 12 Bus 13 Police 14 Ambulance 15 Taxi 16 European emission standard 17 Pothole 18 Path 19 Particulates 20 Air pollution 21 Rush hour 22 Road code 23 Street gutter 24 Cargo bike 25 Forestry vehicle 26 Construction vehicle 27 Semi-trailer truck 28 Trolleybus 29 Speed pedelec 30 Delivery vehicle 31 Idling 32 Tow truck 33 Four-wheel drive 34 Bicycle 35 Motorcycle equipment 36 Rail track 37 Caravan 38 Trailer 39 Tow hitch 40 Fire truck 41 Siren 42 Convoy 43 Emergency vehicle lighting 44 Agricultural machinery 45 Electric bicycle 46 Electric vehicle 47 Pedelec 48 Quadricycle 49 Microcar 50 All-terrain vehicle 51 Van 52 Recreational vehicle 53 Scooter 54 Trikke 55 Personal mobility device 56 Skateboard 57 Segway 58 Kick scooter 59 Roller skates 60 Mailman 61 Hitchhiker 62 Toddler 63 Child 64 Disability 65 Motorail 66 km/h 67 mph 68 Speedometer 69 Ride height 70 Dirt road 71 Driving 72 Start-stop system 73 Manual transmission 74 Automatic transmission 75 Throttle 76 Tachometer 77 Steering wheel 78 Power steering 79 Visual scanning 80 Mirror 81 Fuel 82 Fuel gauge 83 Petrol 84 Diesel 85 Diesel exhaust fluid 86 Car insurance 87 First aid kit 88 Fire extinguisher 89 High-visibility clothing 90 First aid 91 Concrete step barrier 92 Barriers 93 Vehicle lights 94 Street lights 95 Dipped beam 96 High beam 97 Fog lights 98 Front fog lights 99 Rear fog lights 100 Side lights ...