Police Officer Instructions at Intersections: A Guide to How Police-Directed Traffic Works in the Czech Republic

Police-directed traffic can be a challenge for many drivers and other road users. They often don’t understand what the officer’s hand gestures mean or when they are allowed to proceed, which can result in dangerous situations. That’s why we’ve decided to remind readers what a police officer’s instructions at an intersection signify and how to behave in such situations. However, it is not complicated, as police gestures are based on the international rules of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.

Police signals at intersections: Basic rules

Let’s first recall the fundamental rules in situations where traffic is controlled by a Czech police officer rather than traffic lights:

• A police officer’s instructions take precedence over traffic signs and signals. So if an officer is directing traffic, you must follow their commands.
• Do not stop right next to the officer but before the boundary of the intersection. This boundary is typically marked by a solid white stop line, sometimes accompanied by a “Give Way” triangle or the word “STOP.” If such a road marking is absent, then the boundary is considered to be the imaginary perpendicular line at the beginning of the road’s curve.
• Pay close attention to the officer’s posture and hand signals. Officers may use a baton to direct traffic and whistle signals to emphasize their instructions.

Police signals at intersections: Video

Traffic control by police: Gestures

Now let’s take a look at what each gesture from a police officer means. The system is somewhat similar to traffic lights:

• The yellow light signal “Caution!” is replaced by the officer raising one arm vertically. For drivers already moving, this means they must stop. For stationary drivers, it’s a sign to get ready to move.
• The green light signal “Go” is replaced by the officer standing with both arms extended horizontally, forming a shape similar to the letter “T”.
• The “Go” signal applies to directions facing the officer’s side, where drivers can turn left or right at the intersection.
• When turning left, drivers must still yield to oncoming traffic. At the same time, the T-shaped stance also acts as a “Stop” signal for directions facing the officer’s front or back. Drivers approaching from these directions must stop. Pedestrians may cross only in the direction where the “Stop” signal is shown.

What is a “three-way traffic stop”?

The last and often most confusing gesture is the so-called “three-way traffic stop”, where the officer stands with the right arm extended forward and the left arm stretched out to the side, resembling the letter “L”.

In this case:

• The “Stop” signal applies to drivers approaching from the officer’s back and right side.
• The “Go” signal applies to those approaching from the officer’s left side, where they can continue straight, turn right or left.
• Drivers approaching from the front of the officer may proceed only if turning right. In this case, pedestrians may cross only behind the officer.

If you cannot recall all these rules, don’t worry – it’s better to stop and wait. The police officer will make it clear when and where you may continue. With gestures, they may also signal whether you should speed up or slow down.