What is the traffic police's stop signal gesture?
2 Answers
The traffic police's stop signal gesture is to extend the left arm straight up from the front at a 135-degree angle to the body, with the palm facing forward and parallel to the body, and the five fingers closed together. The traffic police's stop gesture indicates that vehicles from all directions are prohibited from entering, and vehicles that have already entered the intersection should continue to move to clear the intersection. Here is some additional information: 1. Starting from October 1, 2007, new traffic police hand signals will be implemented nationwide. The new traffic police hand signals enhance the practicality of command, improve the efficiency of traffic police command, help ensure the safety and smooth flow of road traffic, and help establish a good image of traffic police in duty and law enforcement. 2. The implementation of the newly revised traffic police hand signals also puts forward clear requirements for the use of baton command, stipulating that when traffic police are on duty at night or in weather conditions with dim light or poor lighting such as rain, snow, or fog, they can use the right hand to hold the baton to direct traffic according to the hand signals, clarifying the legal effectiveness of baton command in traffic direction.
As a driver who frequently navigates city streets, I've witnessed many traffic officers managing traffic situations. The most typical stop signal is when an officer extends both arms straight out with palms facing forward towards you, clearly indicating that you must stop immediately and not proceed. I remember during peak hours at an intersection last time, the officer used this gesture to direct vehicles and prevent collisions—it was incredibly effective. Actually, such gestures are standardized to ensure safety when traffic lights fail. I've also noticed other signals, like one arm raised upward signaling to slow down, but both arms extended straight forward is the absolute command to stop. When driving, it's crucial to practice quick reactions—when you see an officer make this gesture, don't hesitate; safety always comes first.
