Highway Code Rule 107
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency officers have the power to stop vehicles on all roads, including motorways and trunk roads. They will attract your attention by flashing amber lights
- either from the front requesting you to follow them to a safe place to stop
- or from behind directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator.
It is an offence not to comply with their directions. You MUST obey any signals given (see ‘Signals by authorised persons‘).
Laws
Section: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (rules 103 to 158) Subsection: Other stopping procedures (rules 107 to 112)Highway Code Rule 108
Traffic officers have powers to stop vehicles on most motorways and some ‘A’ class roads,in England and Wales. If traffic officers in uniform want to stop your vehicle on safety grounds (e.g. an insecure load) they will, where possible, attract your attention by
- flashing amber lights, usually from behind
- directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator.
You MUST then pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Then switch off your engine. It is an offence not to comply with their directions (see ‘Signals by authorised persons‘).
Law
- Road Traffic Act 1988: Sections 35 & 163 as amended by Traffic Management Act Section 6
Highway Code Rule 109
Traffic light signals and traffic signs. You MUST obey all traffic light signals (see ‘Light signals controlling traffic‘) and traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals & signs (see ‘Traffic signs‘). Make sure you know, understand and act on all other traffic and information signs and road markings (see ‘Traffic signs‘, ‘Road markings‘ and ‘Vehicle markings‘).
Laws
- Road Traffic Act 1988: Section 36
- The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002: Regulations 10, 15, 16, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 36, 38 & 40
Highway Code Rule 110
Flashing headlights. Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.
Section: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (rules 103 to 158) Subsection: Other stopping procedures (rules 107 to 112)Highway Code Rule 111
Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.
Section: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (rules 103 to 158) Subsection: Other stopping procedures (rules 107 to 112)Highway Code Rule 112
The horn. Use only while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence. Never sound your horn aggressively. You MUST NOT use your horn
- while stationary on the road
- when driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30 pm and 7.00 am
except when another road user poses a danger.