Police hand signals in Cyprus: meanings
7 hand signals from police officers and other authorised persons
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Stop for traffic approaching from both front and behind
Stop for traffic approaching from the front
Proceed to traffic approaching from the side
Stop for traffic approaching from the behind
Proceed to traffic approaching from the behind
Proceed to traffic approaching from the front
Stop for all traffic
About signals by authorised persons in Cyprus
Police officers and other authorised persons can direct traffic with their arms. You follow these signals even when traffic lights or signs show something else. We cover 7 of them.
The signals depend on where you are in relation to the officer: Stop for all traffic, Stop for traffic approaching from the front, Stop for traffic approaching from the behind, Stop for traffic approaching from both front and behind, and the matching signals that let traffic proceed from the front, the behind or the side.
The signals are explained in chapter G (Signs) of the Cyprus Highway Code, together with road signs and road markings. In the oral theory exam, some learners are also shown police hand signals, so give them the same attention as signs.
The signal names are built around direction, so practise with the direction first: ask where the traffic is coming from in relation to the officer, then say whether it stops or proceeds. In daily driving the rule is simple. An officer's signal comes before traffic lights and signs, so slow down early when you see someone directing traffic and watch their arms. In the exam, give the full name, for example Stop for traffic approaching from the front. With only seven signals, a short session with the free road signs test is enough to see which ones you confuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I follow a police officer or the traffic lights in Cyprus?
You follow the officer. Hand signals from police officers and other authorised persons apply even when traffic lights or signs show something else.
How many police hand signals are there?
We cover 7. They tell traffic coming from the front, the behind or the side either to stop or to proceed, plus one signal to stop all traffic.
Are police hand signals asked in the Cyprus theory exam?
Some learners are asked about them, along with road markings. The exam is oral: you look at the picture and say what the signal means, in Greek or English.
Where can I read about hand signals in the Highway Code?
In chapter G (Signs) of the Cyprus Highway Code, which is published in Greek by the Road Transport Department. Our road signs library shows each signal with its name in English, Greek and Russian.
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