Understanding Rule 108 : When a Traffic Officer Stops Your Vehicle

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Highway Code Rule 108

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Rule 108 ↗
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

Text shown in the rule image

Understanding Rule 108 : When a Traffic Officer Stops Your Vehicle

SCOPE OF AUTHORITY

Authorized Personnel & Locations : Traffic officers in uniform have the power to stop vehicles on most motorways and some class roads in England and Wales .

Focus on Safety Grounds : Officers typically initiate a stop when a safety issue is identified , such as an insecure load on the vehicle .

RECOGNITION & SIGNALING

Flashing Amber Lights : The officer will usually attract your attention from behind using flashing amber lights .

Directional Signaling : The officer will direct you to pull over by pointing to the side and / or using their left indicator .

DRIVER REQUIREMENTS

Pull Over Safely : You MUST pull over to the side and come to a complete stop as soon as it is safe to do so .

Switch Off Engine : Once stopped , you are required to turn off your vehicle's engine immediately .

LEGAL COMPLIANCE

Compliance is Mandatory : It is a legal offence to fail to comply with the directions given by an authorized traffic officer .

Legal Statutes : These powers are governed by the Road Traffic Act 1988 ( sections 35 & 163 ) and the Traffic Management Act 2004 ( section 6 ) .