⏱️ 2 min read
Authorised officials: their signals override everything
An official in the middle of the junction, the light is green… and they signal you to stop. Who do you follow? Always the official. On a moped just like in a car, their signals sit at the top of all the rules.
An authorised official (also called a "qualified person") is someone the law allows to direct traffic: a police officer, a customs officer, an authorised supervisor outside a school, a marshal at a cycle race or roadworks. You recognise them by their uniform or distinctive badge, by day and by night.
The hierarchy of instructions
When several indications contradict each other, always apply the strongest one. The hierarchy is strict:
- The signals of the authorised official — they override everything else.
- The traffic lights.
- The signs.
- The road markings.
- The general rules, including priority from the right.
The signals you need to know
| Signal | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Arm raised vertically | Stop for everyone — except those already in the junction, who must clear it |
| Arm(s) extended horizontally | Stop for those approaching the official head-on and from behind; those on the side of their arms may pass |
| Waving a red light from side to side (night, fog) | Stop, as at a steady red light |
| A signal inviting you to move forward | You go, even if the light is red |
On a moped, you are a driver like any other: these orders apply to you just as much as to cars. Whether you ride on the carriageway or on the cycle path, a supervisor helping children cross or a marshal blocking the road applies to you too.
The official is facing you, both arms extended horizontally. You are heading straight towards them. What do you do?