Virginia § 46.2-1309 - Officers may direct traffic; signals
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 46.2-1309 — Officers may direct traffic; signals, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 46.2-1309. Officers may direct traffic; signals
Law-enforcement officers and uniformed school crossing guards may direct traffic by signals. Such signals other than by voice shall be as follows:
1. To stop traffic by hand. -- Stand with shoulders parallel to moving traffic. Raise arms forty-five degrees above shoulder with hand extended, palm towards moving traffic to be stopped.
2. To move traffic by hand. -- Stand with shoulders parallel to traffic to be moved. Extend right arm and hand full length at height of shoulders towards such traffic, fingers extended and joined, palm down. Bring hand sharply in direction traffic is to move. Repeat movement with left arm and hand to start traffic from opposite direction.
3. To stop and start traffic by whistle. -- One blast, moving traffic to stop; two blasts, traffic in opposite direction to move.
4. Emergency stop of traffic by whistle. -- Three or more short blasts, all traffic shall immediately clear the intersection and stop.
Such law-enforcement officers and uniformed school crossing guards may also use supplemental traffic direction devices, including but not limited to hand-held stop or go signs, in directing traffic as provided in this section.
Code 1950, §§ 46-201, 46-202; 1954, c. 380; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-183; 1966, c. 607; 1989, c. 727; 1995, c. 473.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 46.2-1309
What does Code of Virginia § 46.2-1309 cover?
Section 46.2-1309 ("Officers may direct traffic; signals") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 46.2-1309?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 46.2-1309" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 46.2-1309 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.