The short answer
Agree the signals before the obstacle, choose one spotter, and make sure the spotter stands where the driver can see them and where they cannot be hit. A clenched fist or raised palm always means stop, and the driver stops first and asks questions later.
Do
- Agree the signals before you start
- Use one spotter at a time
- Stand clear of the vehicle's path
- Keep eye contact, or stop
- Stop when the signal is unclear
Do not
- Have several people signal at once
- Stand in front of or behind a moving vehicle
- Stand on the downhill side of the car
- Wave vaguely
- Keep driving when you lose sight of the spotter
Basic signals
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Clenched fist or flat palm held up | Stop now |
| Beckoning with an open hand | Move toward me, slowly |
| Both hands pointing the same way | Steer or move that way |
| Palms pushing down gently | Slow down |
| Thumb across the throat, or crossed arms | Engine off or abort |
| Circling finger | Turn the wheel more or turn around |
| Thumb up | Good, you are clear, or all fine |
| Point at a spot on the ground | Place your tire or wheel here |
Agree your own set. What matters is that everyone uses the same signals. Brief the group, practise on easy ground, and do not change them mid-obstacle.
Where the spotter stands
- Where the driver can see you, ideally in front and to the side, in the driver's line of sight
- Outside the vehicle's path, not in front of or behind it
- Not downhill of the car, and never behind a vehicle on a slope
- Close enough to judge the line, but not so close you can be hit or crushed
- Away from straps and ropes during a recovery
Good spotting habits
- Give one clear instruction at a time
- Describe where the tire will go, not just which way to steer
- Tell the driver what you see underneath, such as rocks, holes and ledges
- Keep calm and quiet, and do not shout over each other
- If you lose sight of the driver, signal stop and wait
Radio or voice
A radio helps over distance, but hand signals work when engines are loud and signal is poor. See the convoy and radio guide for what is legal in India.
Pick the situation
Tap where you are spotting to see the key points.
Tap a situation (6 to try)
Spotting for a Rock ledge
- Signals
- -
- Where to stand
- -
Common mistakes
- Signalling without agreeing meanings. Everyone reads gestures differently.
- Several people signalling. The driver cannot follow them all.
- Standing in the vehicle's path. A slip can crush you.
- Waving vaguely. The driver cannot tell what you mean.
- Not stopping when unsure. Stop is always the safe signal.
- Shouting over each other. Keep one voice.
A final word. Spotting puts you close to a moving vehicle, so injury risk is real. These are common conventions, not an official standard. Agree signals with your group, stay out of the vehicle's path, and stop whenever anything is unclear.