Chapter 15: Traffic Police Hand Signals

Authority of Traffic Police

• When a traffic police officer is directing traffic, their signals OVERRIDE traffic lights and signs.
• You must always obey police signals, even if they contradict traffic lights.
• Disobeying a police officer's signals is a traffic offense.

Key Hand Signals

• Officer facing you with palm raised (hand up): You must STOP. This is the same as a red light for you.
• Officer's side facing you with arm extended horizontally: You may proceed. Traffic from the officer's front and back must stop.
• Officer beckoning you (waving towards themselves): Move forward — the officer is directing you to proceed.
• Officer raising one hand after you have been allowed to proceed: Stop — the officer is changing the traffic flow.

How to Respond

• Slow down when approaching an officer-directed junction.
• Watch the officer carefully and be ready to stop or proceed as directed.
• Do not sound your horn impatiently at an officer-directed junction.
• If unsure of the officer's signal, slow down or stop rather than guessing.

When Police Override Traffic Lights

• If the traffic light is green but the officer signals you to stop — you must STOP.
• If the traffic light is red but the officer signals you to proceed — you may GO.
• The officer's judgment takes priority because they can see hazards or situations that the automated traffic lights cannot.

Tips for Motorcyclists

• Ensure the officer can see you — motorcycles are smaller and may be overlooked in heavy traffic.
• Make eye contact with the officer before proceeding.
• Follow the officer's signals smoothly — avoid sudden acceleration or braking.