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Police signalsUnited States

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

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
United States

85. Police signals

Police signals are hand gestures, body positions, lights or other signals used by police officers or other authorised persons to control traffic. They may require road users to stop, proceed, change direction or follow another temporary traffic arrangement.

Road users should observe and obey police signals even when they differ from the normal traffic signs or signals. The exact gestures and their meanings vary between countries.

Traffic officer directing vehicles at an intersection. (Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States)
Wikimedia.org • Calebrw • CC BY-SA
What are police traffic signals?

Police traffic signals are gestures, positions or other signals used by authorised officers to regulate or direct traffic.

Do police signals override traffic lights?

In many countries, yes. Directions given by an authorised traffic officer normally take precedence over traffic lights, signs and ordinary traffic rules.

What should you do if a police officer gives a signal you do not expect?

Slow down, pay close attention and follow the officer's instruction. Do not continue simply because a traffic light or road sign would normally allow you to proceed.

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