Rule 108: Traffic officers
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 RTA 1988 sects 35 & 163 as amended by TMA sect 6
Why the capitals matter. The Highway Code writes a rule in capitals — MUST or MUST NOT — when it is backed by law, so breaking it is a criminal offence. The rules that do not use capitals are advice.
5 theory test questions on this rule
From the DVSA revision question bank. These are not the questions asked in the real theory test. Each one shows the answer, the explanation, and our own note on why every other option is not it.
Lorry & Bus (LGV/PCV)
- What are traffic officers authorised to do? Road and traffic signs
- You're being followed by a marked police car. As well as flashing the headlights, what will the police officer do to signal you to stop? The driver
- In England and Wales, what's the national speed limit on a single carriageway road for a rigid lorry with a maximum authorised mass of more than 7.5 tonnes? Vehicle weights and dimensions
- What should you do if the load on your lorry becomes insecure? Vehicle loading