What does the traffic police's pull-over hand signal look like?
3 Answers
Facing the direction of oncoming traffic, extend the right arm at a 45-degree angle to the body with the palm facing left and fingers closed together, while keeping the face and gaze level looking straight ahead. Key precautions for pulling over are as follows: Reduce speed: Upon hearing the system's voice prompt indicating "Please pull over ahead," decelerate in advance, preferably to below 10km/h, and shift to first gear. The slower the speed, the more conducive it is for subsequent operations. Activate the right turn signal: Turn on the right turn signal for more than three seconds. If the signal cancels during the maneuver, promptly reactivate it to avoid point deductions. Observe road conditions: Check the surroundings via side mirrors for suitable parking conditions. If traffic is heavy, maintain controlled speed. Note that if there's an intersection or no-parking sign ahead, proceed past that area before seeking an appropriate spot. Post-parking steps: After stopping, shift to neutral, engage the handbrake, and only release it upon hearing the "test passed" voice confirmation. Ensure roadside safety before exiting: Before opening the door, check the left rearview mirror for approaching vehicles from behind to confirm safety.
When seeing a traffic officer signaling to pull over, I immediately slow down and observe their hand gestures. They typically extend their right arm horizontally at shoulder height with the palm facing forward, as if pushing against the air, while their face is turned toward your direction. This gesture continues until you come to a complete stop. During nighttime enforcement, they may use reflective batons or wear fluorescent vests for enhanced visibility. Be especially careful not to confuse this with the signal to proceed—when allowing traffic to pass straight, the officer will extend their left arm horizontally while waving their right arm. Upon encountering the stop signal, I usually begin decelerating about 50 meters away and activate the right turn signal within 10 meters. After stopping, promptly turn off the engine, roll down the window, keep hands visible on the steering wheel, and wait for the officer to approach for license inspection. Particularly on highways, never hesitate upon seeing this gesture—immediately move to the emergency lane and stop securely.
The traffic police's hand signal for pulling over is highly recognizable. They typically stand on the right side of your driving direction, fully extending their right arm with an open palm facing you—similar to a timeout gesture in sports. Some officers may use a whistle to reinforce the signal. The key point is this gesture must be made directly in front of your lane, never abruptly from the side. I've noticed novice drivers often get confused, thinking it's meant for other vehicles. Actually, in heavy traffic, officers will clearly target specific vehicles by making direct eye contact through your windshield. Signaling right early is crucial here—avoid slamming brakes to prevent startling following cars. Pull over smoothly, leaving about half a meter clearance from the curb for safety. After stopping, remember to shift to neutral, engage the parking brake, and place both hands on your lap while awaiting inspection.
