When we circulate on the roads, we must observe each and every one of the signs that we find in our path: both vertical, horizontal, luminous, etc. But traffic officers can also signal and we must know the code perfectly.
The Highway Code It includes numerous traffic signs that tell us how to circulate on the roads in a safe and orderly manner. In a previous article we reviewed the most relevant signals that we must know and we talked about the priority that the law gives to some over others:
- Signs and orders from traffic officers.
- Circumstantial signage that modifies the normal regime of use of the road and beacon signs (fixed or variable).
- Traffic lights.
- Vertical traffic signs.
- Road marks.
In addition, we reminded that, in the event of overlap, the type of priority signal will always prevail or the most restrictive signal if both are of the same type.
Caution and calm whenever we approach a traffic officer, as they will always be a vulnerable person in road traffic
But this time we are going to focus on the most important of all, those that will always have priority on any other indication of the road: those indicated by traffic officers.
These signs are not common in day-to-day traffic and it is easier to forget them, but in summer there are a proliferation of checkpoints, reverse lanes or congested sections where traffic officers are usually present, so they are not it is of more a review.
Gesture signals from traffic officers
We begin with the signals that the agents make with their arms and that have a very clear and concrete meaning.
Arm Raised Vertically – High In Front
This gesture obliges any driver who sees the agent in front of stop at a stop line or officer, in case there is no such line. If it is an intersection, you must stop before entering it or where instructed by the officer.
However, it is necessary to interpret the rule in such a way that the physical integrity of law enforcement officials is not compromised. For this reason, on two-way roads the agent stands on the shoulder, if it is practicable, or on the outside of the road.
The agent, in addition to raising one arm vertically to order the arrest, will indicate where to do it with the other.
One arm raised and one extended: high in front and behind
This gesture forces to stop to those who find the agent in front and the extended horizontally, to those who approach from behind. He does not order anything to those who find him in profile.
This type of signal is very common in pedestrian crossings with one lane in each direction, for example, in the vicinity of schools, to stop traffic in both lanes and allow pedestrians to cross safely.
Move arm forward with flashlight: continue
If the agent moves his arm, with a flashlight in his hand, from behind to front, he is indicating that we must continue, with caution and without stopping.
Arm up pointing: exit lane
An arm extended upwards, diagonally, and pointing with the index finger, means that it indicates the need to get into the adjoining lane, probably to avoid an incident in the lane in which we are circulating.
This same gesture serves to attract the attention of a driver and, after lowering the arm pointing towards a place, indicate the place where we should stop.
Swinging a light: stops whoever is pointing
The vertical top-down swing of a light forces only drivers or pedestrians pointed to by the light-shaker to stop.
Moving up and down with outstretched arm: slow down
An officer moving an outstretched arm up and down indicates the obligation to slow down the vehicles that approach him both from the front and behind him on the side that the officer’s arm points to.
Vertical Extended Arm with Flashlight – High
An agent who has his arm extended vertically, with the flashlight in his hand, signals the obligation to stop the vehicles that approach him head on.
Whistle signals, flags and other signs of traffic officers
In addition to their arms and the flashlight, traffic officers can use other types of objects to indicate to drivers how to proceed to meet them. They are as follows:
- Whistle: short beeps will indicate that we must stop, while a long one will allow us to resume the march.
The following signals are made from the patrol car, either by putting the arm out of the window, or by means of the lights incorporated in the aforementioned vehicle:
- Red flag: this sign indicates that traffic is closed for all users, except for those who are escorted by authorities.
- Yellow flag: Drivers are informed of the existence of danger in the vicinity and / or the need to be extremely careful.
- Green flag: in this case, circulation is restored normally.
- Arm extended downwards inclined and fixed– The officer signals a driver to stop on the right side of the road.
- Flashing red or yellow light on the roof: on this occasion, the officer tells a driver to stop in front of the police car, on the right side and without generating risks or inconveniences to the rest of the users. In addition, additional orders may be indicated by public address.
Military police, workers, special and school transport
Traffic agents are in charge of regulating traffic and have the power to indicate our actions, but they are not the only ones. The military police, the workers of works that are being carried out on the road, the companions of the special transport and special transport vehicles they also have this authority.
Failure to comply with a signal ordered by an agent is considered a serious offense, which carries a fine of 200 euros and the withdrawal of four points
Likewise, Civil Protection or sports activities organization personnel can tell us the way to go or if we should stop at a given moment. They should always wear brightly colored and / or reflective garments or devices to be seen clearly.
And, above all, prudence and calm whenever we approach a traffic officer or any other pedestrian on the road, as it will always be a vulnerable person in road traffic.
Fine for not obeying a traffic officer
Failure to comply with a signal ordered by an officer of the authority is considered a serious offense, which entails a fine of 200 euros and withdrawal of four points driving license.
Once detained, if you ask us for the documentation and we do not bring it, we can be fined with 100 euros.
If, in addition, we are asked to submit to the alcohol or drug detection test and we refuse, we could even incur a criminal offense, as reflected in article 383 of the Penal Code, which states that if the driver «refuses to undergo tests to check blood alcohol levels and the presence of drugs, narcotics and psychotropic substances, you will be punished with the penalties of prison from six months to a year and deprivation of the right to drive motor vehicles and mopeds for between one and four years ”.
However, for this there must be clear evidence that the crime occurred. Otherwise, it could be administratively sanctioned with a fine of 1,000 euros and the loss of 6 points. In addition, this fact could lead to the immobilization of the vehicle and its storage.