What do the regulator signals mean?

Most drivers rely on traffic lights and road signs daily, so they rarely encounter a traffic controller. This is why the signals of a controller often become one of the topics easiest to forget when preparing for the theory exam or after several years of driving.

However, the instructions of a traffic controller have the highest priority. If a controller is working at an intersection, their signals must be followed even if they contradict traffic light signals, road signs, or road markings. Therefore, the ability to quickly understand the meanings of hand signals is important for every road user.

In this article, we will explain what a traffic controller is, what their main signals mean, and how to act correctly in various traffic situations when receiving instructions from a controller.

What is a Controller?

A controller is a person authorized to regulate road traffic, wearing a uniform and/or having a distinctive sign (an armband, a controller's baton, a disc with a red reflector). The controller is usually a police officer but can also be a crossing guard, road worker, or another person authorized to regulate traffic. Typically, the controller stands in the middle of the intersection.

The instructions of a controller take precedence over traffic light signals, road signs, road markings, and the requirements of the Road Traffic Rules (RTR).

Traffic controller signals are shown with different positions of the controller's arms, and a whistle is used to indicate that the controller's instructions will soon change.

Controller signals are an important part of the Road Traffic Rules (RTR) because they are used to regulate traffic, especially in situations where traffic lights are not working or when traffic conditions require direct control. Both free and paid RTR tickets include questions about controller signals, as this knowledge is essential for all drivers. 

What Do Controller Signals Mean?

Arms Extended to the Sides or Lowered

• From the right and left sides, it is allowed to drive straight and to the right.

• From the right and left sides, pedestrians are allowed to cross the roadway.

• From the chest and back sides, all vehicle and pedestrian traffic is prohibited.

Right Arm Extended Forward

• From the left side, it is allowed to drive in all directions.

• From the chest side, it is allowed to drive only to the right.

• From the back side and right side, all vehicle traffic is prohibited.

• Behind the controller, pedestrians are allowed to cross the roadway.

Arm Raised Up

• Everyone is prohibited from moving in any direction.

• Everyone must stop without changing lanes.

What Are Other Controller Signals?

• The driver must stop the vehicle, and the pedestrian must stop when the inspecting officer or controller gives a signal—waving a controller's baton or a disc with a red reflector directed at the road user, or instructing to stop via loudspeaker. The STOP signal can also be indicated by special colors and a sign of the respective service on a vehicle's display board.

• To attract the attention of road users, the inspecting officer or controller may give a signal with a whistle. Upon receiving a stop signal, the driver must immediately stop the vehicle at the indicated place; if no place is indicated, on the right shoulder, and if there is no shoulder, at the right edge of the roadway.