Traffic Control and Direction Verified Exam Questions and Answers
Latest update 2026/2027
Question:
Safety equipment
Answer:
Patrol car, reflective clothing, flashlight, whistle, other clothing, traffic control devices
Question:
Factors that impact officer positioning in roadway includes
Answer:
weather
- time of day
- roadway type
- traffic volume and speed
- underlying circumstances (e.g., crash)
Question:
Parallel position
Answer:
Always position body parallel with moving traffic with back and front sides of body facing stopped
traffic.
Question:
Side position
Answer:
The side (or shoulder) position is less visible to approaching motorists but provides officers with an
escape route away from moving traffic. The side position affords more officer safety and better
pedestrian control.
Question:
Center Position
Answer:
center position in roadway or intersection generally provides more visibility for all but is the most
hazardous for officers. The center position is used when traffic flow is congested, stop-and-go and
moving much slower than normal.
, Question:
Facilitate traffic flow
Answer:
The primary goal is keep traffic moving even when it is not possible to establish a normal flow.
- Follow same right of way rules according to road.
- Use natural breaks in traffic flow to let vehicles turn, cross or enter roadway.
- Establish a specific pattern or number of vehicles to process. For example, allow 20 vehicles
through from one direction before stopping and letting 20 vehicles from another direction through.
Question:
Use arm hand and whistle signals to direct traffic
Answer:
Make eye contact with drivers before and while signaling.
- Only give one signal direction at a time.
- Never jump or move directly into the path of a moving vehicle with intent to stop.
Question:
Stopping traffic
Answer:
Extend one or both arms out directly in front of the body (parallel with road surface) with palm(s)
facing motorists or pedestrians who need to stop.
- Look directly at the driver/pedestrian and maintain hand position until he or she comes to a
complete stop
- When there are multiple lanes traveling in the same direction, make certain vehicles in BOTH
lanes are stopped
Question:
Whistle
Answer:
Use 1 long and steady whistle blast simultaneously with arm/hand positions to signal "Stop!" Do not
blow whistle indiscriminately.
Question:
Lighted baton
Answer:
To stop vehicles during night time or low visibility conditions, use a lighted baton (or flashlight with
attachment). Hold baton in right or left hand (vertical position) in front of body with elbow bent.
Swing or wave from the left to the right side in a 45-degree arc in front of body.
- Do not shine flashlights into face or eyes of motorists as a method for gaining their attention
Latest update 2026/2027
Question:
Safety equipment
Answer:
Patrol car, reflective clothing, flashlight, whistle, other clothing, traffic control devices
Question:
Factors that impact officer positioning in roadway includes
Answer:
weather
- time of day
- roadway type
- traffic volume and speed
- underlying circumstances (e.g., crash)
Question:
Parallel position
Answer:
Always position body parallel with moving traffic with back and front sides of body facing stopped
traffic.
Question:
Side position
Answer:
The side (or shoulder) position is less visible to approaching motorists but provides officers with an
escape route away from moving traffic. The side position affords more officer safety and better
pedestrian control.
Question:
Center Position
Answer:
center position in roadway or intersection generally provides more visibility for all but is the most
hazardous for officers. The center position is used when traffic flow is congested, stop-and-go and
moving much slower than normal.
, Question:
Facilitate traffic flow
Answer:
The primary goal is keep traffic moving even when it is not possible to establish a normal flow.
- Follow same right of way rules according to road.
- Use natural breaks in traffic flow to let vehicles turn, cross or enter roadway.
- Establish a specific pattern or number of vehicles to process. For example, allow 20 vehicles
through from one direction before stopping and letting 20 vehicles from another direction through.
Question:
Use arm hand and whistle signals to direct traffic
Answer:
Make eye contact with drivers before and while signaling.
- Only give one signal direction at a time.
- Never jump or move directly into the path of a moving vehicle with intent to stop.
Question:
Stopping traffic
Answer:
Extend one or both arms out directly in front of the body (parallel with road surface) with palm(s)
facing motorists or pedestrians who need to stop.
- Look directly at the driver/pedestrian and maintain hand position until he or she comes to a
complete stop
- When there are multiple lanes traveling in the same direction, make certain vehicles in BOTH
lanes are stopped
Question:
Whistle
Answer:
Use 1 long and steady whistle blast simultaneously with arm/hand positions to signal "Stop!" Do not
blow whistle indiscriminately.
Question:
Lighted baton
Answer:
To stop vehicles during night time or low visibility conditions, use a lighted baton (or flashlight with
attachment). Hold baton in right or left hand (vertical position) in front of body with elbow bent.
Swing or wave from the left to the right side in a 45-degree arc in front of body.
- Do not shine flashlights into face or eyes of motorists as a method for gaining their attention
