Point-by
A point-by is a hand signal from the car in front telling a following driver it is safe to pass, and on which side.
Also called: point by, passing signal
In most HPDE groups, you may only pass when the driver ahead lets you. They do that with a point-by: an arm out of the window or a hand on the roof or windshield, pointing to the side they want you to pass on. Many organizations require one point-by per car being passed.
The car being passed stays on line, lifts slightly if needed, and holds a predictable path. The passing car completes the pass promptly in the designated passing zone, usually a straight, and does not cut back in front until it is safely clear.
Mistakes happen when drivers point late, at the very end of a straight, or forget to watch the mirrors. Check your mirrors on every straight, and if the car behind is clearly faster, give them a point-by early. Rules vary between run groups and organizations, so follow the drivers' meeting.
Point-bys keep passing predictable and consensual, which removes one of the biggest sources of risk in mixed-skill traffic.