Barrier arm gates consist of a vertical barrier arm that is rotated in and out of the gate opening. Barrier arm gates are used to control vehicles, not pedestrians.  As it is very easy for a person to walk beside or climb over or under the gate arm, barrier arm gates provide almost no security.

Barrier arm gates are among the most sought after types of automation systems. This gates are used primarily to control access in and out of parking facilities, or to control vehicular traffic at manned security entrances.

Barrier arm gates can range from four meters to 12 meters wide. They are cost effective barriers for places like shopping centers, office buildings, warehouses and distribution facilities, car parks, industrial and commercial facilities and government buildings.