Which gesture indicates all vehicles must stop?

Which gesture indicates all vehicles must stop?

• A. palm forwards facing windscreen
• B. hand to the left
• C. End of 20 mph zone
• D. stick upright with other arm out

Answer: (D)

The key idea is a clear, authoritative signal used by someone directing traffic to stop all approaching vehicles. When a person stands with a baton or stick held upright in one hand and the other arm extended outward, it creates two strong, visible cues: the upright baton acts as a fixed, attention-grabbing focus, and the outstretched arm clearly signals drivers to stop and hold their position. This combination is understood as a command to stop for everyone, not just for one direction or lane. The palm-facing gesture can be used to indicate stopping, but its meaning can depend on context and may be interpreted differently by drivers, so it’s not as unambiguous in situations where a universal stop is required. A road sign like the end of a 20 mph zone is not a live signal from a person directing traffic, so it doesn’t convey an immediate instruction to stop. So the gesture with the upright stick and the outstretched arm is the one that clearly indicates all vehicles must stop.

The key idea is a clear, authoritative signal used by someone directing traffic to stop all approaching vehicles. When a person stands with a baton or stick held upright in one hand and the other arm extended outward, it creates two strong, visible cues: the upright baton acts as a fixed, attention-grabbing focus, and the outstretched arm clearly signals drivers to stop and hold their position. This combination is understood as a command to stop for everyone, not just for one direction or lane.

The palm-facing gesture can be used to indicate stopping, but its meaning can depend on context and may be interpreted differently by drivers, so it’s not as unambiguous in situations where a universal stop is required. A road sign like the end of a 20 mph zone is not a live signal from a person directing traffic, so it doesn’t convey an immediate instruction to stop.

So the gesture with the upright stick and the outstretched arm is the one that clearly indicates all vehicles must stop.