Traffic Lights - Rules of the road

Traffic Lights - Rules of the road

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Section 7 - Traffic Lights and Signals

Traffic Light Signals

Traffic lights

Signals by motorists and cyclists

Hand Signals

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Section 7.2 - Traffic Lights
These include lights controlling junctions and pedestrian crossings.

A red light means 'stop'. If the light is red as you approach it, you must not go beyond the stop line at that light or, if there is no stop line, beyond the light.

A green light means you may go on if the way is clear. Take special care if you intend to turn left or right and give way to pedestrians who are crossing. A green light is not a right of way, it is a licence to proceed with caution.

REMEMBER
A green light is not a right of way, it is a licence to proceed with caution.
An amber light means that you must not go beyond the stop line or, if there is no stop line, beyond the light. However, you may go on if you are so close to the line or the light when the amber light first appears that stopping would be dangerous.

A green arrow (also known as a filter light) means that you may move on in the direction of the arrow, assuming it is safe and the way is clear, even if a red light is also showing.

If you wish to turn right at a set of traffic lights that has an arrow to the right, drive into the junction when you see a green light, taking care not to block any oncoming traffic. Then, when it is safe, finish your turn. You should only wait for the filter arrow for turning right when you are in the junction and if it would be dangerous to finish your turn before the filter light appears.

A flashing amber arrow pointing left can appear at a junction with another road. It means that you may move on past the traffic light, but only if you first give way to traffic already coming through the junction on the other road.

Remember that a flashing amber light at a pelican crossing means you must yield to pedestrians. See Section 18, on pedestrian lights.

REMEMBER
You should always approach traffic lights at a speed that will allow you to stop if the amber light appears.
Cycle track lights
A red light showing a figure of a cyclist means that the cyclist must stop at the traffic light.

A green light showing a figure of a cyclist means the cyclist may move beyond the light as long as this does not put other road users in danger.

A flashing green light or an amber light showing a figure of a cyclist means the cyclist may not cross the road unless they had started crossing when there was a steady green light showing a figure of a cyclist.