Hand signals commonly used by traffic police in Spain
Traffic officer signals have the highest priority in Spain
In cities and towns throughout Spain it is common to see traffic officers directing drivers using a variety of hand signals, particularly during rush hour times: generally, in the morning between 7:30am and 9:30am and from 5:30pm to 7:30pm in the evening. Directions given by these officers always take priority over traffic lights and road markings, and it’s vital that all drivers understand these Spanish motoring laws clearly to avoid any confusion.
Arm raised vertically
When a traffic officer raises his hand in the air with the palm open, he is giving the universal sign to stop, unless to do so would result in an unsafe situation. This display is most common during traffic jams or at checkpoints.
It is important to note that if this signal is made by an officer at an intersection, it does not impact drivers who have already entered it.
Arms extended horizontally
When an officer extends one or both arms out by his sides, palms open, all drivers approaching must stop, regardless of the direction in which they are travelling.
In a nutshell, this movement forces road users advancing on the officer from the front and from the back to stop immediately. This rule remains in effect even if the officer lowers his arms, as long as he does not change position or make another signal.
Extended arm moving up and down
This signal is asking drivers approaching the agent to slow down, rather than to stop.
Waving a red or yellow hand-held light
This movement is the same as the previous one whereby the officer is moving his arm up and down, but in this case he is also holding a red or yellow light. Any driver at whom the agent is pointing the light must stop.
Some other common traffic signals using a whistle
- A series of short, frequent whistle blasts indicate that the driver should stop.
- A long blast of the whistle indicates that the road user may resume driving.
Images: Royal Automobile Club of Spain
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