The Blue Light Protocol is a life-saving system that was developed to ensure the safety of South African motorists when asked to pull over at night by the metro police. Read on for a step by step guide.

1. The Blue Light Protocol: Your Step by Step Guide
In today’s society, it is not uncommon for people to feel nervous about being pulled over by
the police – not because they have done something wrong, but because the police in
question might not be police at all. There are countless stories about men and women being
hijacked and / or robbed by people who they initially thought were officers of the law. It is
because of this that ‘The Blue Light Protocol’ came into existence.
A simple system that was put into place in an effort to ensure the protection of all motorists
in South Africa, ‘The Blue Light Protocol’ is easy to remember and is a safety measure that
could save your life. Since the system was developed in 2013, citizens and police officers
alike have been notified of how it works and why it is so important. However, in order to
avoid mishaps, angry traffic officers, and unpleasant consequences, it is important to ensure
that you follow each step of the protocol to a tee:
Step 1: Remain calm.
Step 2: Slow your vehicle right down and switch on your hazard lights.
Step 3: Wind down your window, extend your arm outside and motion for the officers to
follow you.
Step 4: Proceed to the nearest police or service station, driving at no more than 40 km / h.
Step 5: If you are driving to a police station, hoot on your arrival until an officer comes
outside to assist you.
Step 6: If driving to a service / petrol station, ensure that you choose one that has CCTV
cameras installed, and that you park your vehicle in a well-lit portion of the forecourt.
Step 7: As the officer(s) arrives and approaches your vehicle, explain immediately that you
felt unsafe and uncertain as to whether or not they were legitimate police officers, and so
proceeded to the nearest police / service station.
Step 8: Remain polite and co-operative at all times.
Other Facts that You Need to Know
 If the ‘policemen’ pursue you aggressively or open fire on you at any time, abandon
the protocol and do your best to evade them and get away without endangering
yourself or others. Once you lose them, get yourself to a place of safety and contact
the police immediately.
 It is important that you DO NOT drive to your home or to a friend’s home instead of
a police / service station when following the protocol. If the people in question turn
out not to be genuine police officers, you will have put yourself, your possessions,
and your loved ones in serious danger.

2.  It is every motorist’s right to follow ‘The Blue Light Protocol’ should he or she ever
feel threatened, uncertain or unsafe when signalled to pull over by a police officer.
MiWay is dedicated to providing you with accurate, up to date information about road
safety tips. For an affordable car insurance quote, contact us today.
Want a visual overview of the Blue Light Protocol? Click here.