Ocala Police Department Signals Practice Test

What is the standard officer hand signal to stop a vehicle?

Extend the arm downward with the palm facing the driver and make a deliberate downward motion. Extend the arm upward with the palm facing forward. Wave the arm side to side. Tapping the shoulder twice.

Correct Answer:

Extend the arm downward with the palm facing the driver and make a deliberate downward motion.

Explanation:

The signal to stop a vehicle is a deliberate downward motion of a straight arm with the palm facing the driver. This combination works best because it is highly visible to the driver from a distance and clearly communicates the instruction to halt. The palm toward the driver signals that the command is directed at that vehicle, not just a general gesture, and the steady downward sweep reinforces the stop command so there’s no confusion about whether to slow down or keep going. Other gestures—raising the arm, waving side to side, or tapping the shoulder—can be misread or are less unmistakable as a direct stop instruction, so they don’t convey the stop command as clearly or reliably.

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