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Traffic Regulations

Directing traffic

Unofficial translation of a guide written for Polish learners; the Polish original is the reference version.

In the age of reliable traffic lights, the sight of a police officer directing traffic is a rarity - we associate it above all with trips to cemeteries in November. Practice shows that a great many drivers have no idea whatsoever how to behave when a police officer takes control of the traffic!

Remember!!!
The orders and signals given by persons directing traffic always take precedence over light signals and road signs! They have absolute priority.

Consequences
Knowing the signals given by a person directing traffic matters not only for our safety on the road. Ignoring or misreading the signals given by a police officer can mean a heavy fine!

THE RULES

1. Do not enter (red light)
The equivalent of the red signal. Drivers and pedestrians whom the officer is facing with his back or his front must not drive or step onto the intersection.

Officer facing towards and away from the driver: no entry, equivalent to a red light.


2. Change of the direction of traffic (yellow light)
The equivalent of the yellow signal. A police officer with one arm raised is a sign to drivers that they should exercise particular care – the direction of traffic is about to change. Entering the intersection is prohibited.

Officer with one arm raised vertically: traffic direction is about to change, equivalent to an amber light.


3. Traffic open
A police officer standing with his right or left side towards the driver is the equivalent of the green signal. Traffic moves from the right and the left.

Officer standing side-on to the driver: traffic may proceed, equivalent to a green light.


4. Order to leave the intersection
Traffic is open for those turning left and going straight ahead from the officer's left-hand side. Those coming from the other side of the officer are obliged to stop.

Officer allows traffic from the left side of their body to proceed; traffic from the opposite side must stop.


5. Order to leave the intersection
The police officer at the intersection allows drivers to carry out a safe turning manoeuvre – this applies, however, to drivers coming from his right-hand side who want to turn left.

Officer allows vehicles approaching from their right to turn left.


6. Summoning
This is a less common signal. The police officer indicates to the driver the place at the intersection where he is to stop.

Officer points to where the driver should stop at the junction.


7. Stopping the traffic
This position of the police officer - with the inner side of the palm turned towards the driver - calls on the driver to stop.

Officer extends a hand with the palm towards the driver: stop.


8. Opening the traffic
The signals made by the police officer, as in the photograph below, mean that the traffic is open. Drivers and pedestrians whom the police officer is facing with his front or his back may not move.

Officer opens traffic from either side; drivers and pedestrians facing the officer’s front or back must still wait.


Do you know how to behave when a police officer is directing traffic? – watch the video prepared by the police