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Road Rules Foundation
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Reading Police and Marshal Signals
Genuinely useful, specific knowledge most drivers only pick up by accident — here it is directly, from the official handbook.
A traffic police officer's hand signals:
Signal
Meaning
One arm raised, palm facing traffic approaching from behind the officer
STOP — for traffic behind the officer
Both arms raised, palms out
STOP — for traffic from both in front and behind
Arm signal indicating forward movement
Come on — proceed
Arm signal facing oncoming traffic
STOP — for traffic approaching from in front
A beckoning motion
Keep coming — continue toward the officer
A traffic marshal's signals (typically at pedestrian crossings):
Signal
Meaning
Barrier arm position
Stopping pedestrians from crossing
Ready stance
Ready to let pedestrians cross — vehicles must be prepared to stop
Arms extended, blocking
All vehicles must stop
Relaxed stance
Not ready to let pedestrians cross
(Seed both as tables.)
The skill underneath both tables: an officer's signal is directional. The same raised arm means stop for you or nothing for you depending on which side of the officer you're approaching from — so read the palm and the facing, not just the raised arm.
Key takeaways
- One arm raised = stop for traffic behind the officer · both arms raised = stop for both directions · beckoning = keep coming — read the palm and facing, not just the arm
- A traffic marshal's arms-extended block stops all vehicles; a ready stance means be prepared to stop for pedestrians
Quick check
A police officer stands in the junction with both arms raised, palms facing outward. What does it mean for you?