Traffic Signals and Police Directions
The hierarchy of control
When a police officer is directing traffic, their signals override traffic lights, signs, and markings. Learn to read the officer's body: arm raised with palm toward you means stop; arm beckoning means proceed; a side-on stance usually means traffic on that axis may move. If in doubt, stop and wait.
Traffic lights
- Red: stop behind the stop line.
- Amber/yellow alone: stop, unless you are so close that stopping would be unsafe.
- Green: proceed if the way is clear - green does not guarantee a clear junction.
- Flashing amber: proceed with caution, giving way as at a give-way sign.
- Green arrow: you may move in the direction of the arrow, provided it is safe.
Traps to watch
- A green light with a blocked exit: you must still wait outside the junction.
- A police officer waving you on while the light is red - you obey the officer.
- Amber means stop if you safely can, not speed up.
- Pedestrian signals: a flashing green man means do not start to cross.
Worked example
You approach a junction on green, but the far side is queued solid. You stop behind the line and wait, even though the light is green, because entering would block cross-traffic. If an officer then signals you forward, you follow the officer's direction only when there is space to clear the junction.