Junctions are where many learners lose marks and where a traffic-light mistake carries penalty points. The Highway Code, which applies to England, Scotland and Wales, deals with junctions in rules 170 to 183, with the traffic-light sequence in its “Light signals controlling traffic” section and the penalty for light offences in Annex 5. This article summarises what those pages say for drivers in Great Britain. It is general information, not legal advice.
The light sequence
The Code sets out the meaning of each light. Red means stop, and the driver must wait behind the stop line on the carriageway. Red and amber also means stop, and the driver must not pass or start until green shows. Green means go on if the way is clear, with special care when turning left or right and a duty to give way to pedestrians who are crossing. Amber means stop at the stop line, and the driver may go on only if the amber appears after crossing the stop line or when so close that pulling up might cause an accident. A green arrow may be provided in addition to the full green signal, and where it is, a driver may go only in the direction shown, whatever other lights are showing. The Code adds that white light signals may be provided for trams.
Rules 175 to 178: junctions controlled by lights
- Rule 175. A driver must stop behind the white stop line across their side of the road unless the light is green. If amber appears, the driver may go on only if already over the line or so close to it that stopping might cause a collision.
- Rule 176. A driver must not move forward over the white line when the red light shows. They should go forward on green only if there is room to clear the junction safely or they are taking up a position to turn right. If the lights are not working, the Code says to treat the junction as an unmarked one and proceed with great care.
- Rule 177. A green filter arrow indicates a filter lane only. A driver should not enter that lane unless going in the direction of the arrow, and should give cyclists in particular time and room to move into the correct lane.
- Rule 178. Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines that let cyclists position themselves ahead of other traffic. Drivers, including motorcyclists, must stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red. If a vehicle has already crossed the first line when the light turns red, the driver should stop as soon as possible and must stop at the second white line. The Code says drivers of large vehicles should stop far enough back to see the whole area where cyclists may be waiting.
Box junctions: rule 174
Box junctions have criss-cross yellow lines. The Code says a driver must not enter the box until the exit road or lane is clear, but may enter and wait when turning right if stopped only by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right. At signalled roundabouts a driver must not enter the box unless able to cross it completely without stopping.
Other junction rules: 170 to 173
Rule 170 asks for extra care at junctions. Drivers should watch for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians (including powered wheelchair and mobility scooter users) who are not always easy to see, give way to pedestrians who have started to cross the road being entered or left, and stay behind cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists even if they are waiting close to the kerb. It also warns not to assume a vehicle from the right that signals left will turn. Rule 171 requires a stop behind the line at a “Stop” sign with a solid white line, and rule 172 requires giving way to traffic on the main road at a “Give Way” sign or broken white lines. Rule 173 tells drivers crossing dual carriageways to assess whether the central reservation is deep enough to protect the full length of the vehicle.
The penalty for a traffic-light offence
Annex 5 of the Highway Code lists “traffic light offences” with a maximum fine of £1,000, discretionary disqualification and 3 penalty points. It says a driver with 12 or more points within three years must be disqualified, for a minimum of six months, and that for two years from passing a first driving test, 6 or more points (including any gained before passing) means the licence is automatically revoked, even if the offences were paid by fixed penalty. A revoked driver must reapply for a provisional licence and drive as a learner until they pass another test. The site’s guide to the New Drivers Act explains this in more detail. Two red-light offences would therefore reach the 6-point threshold for a new driver.
The Code also lists this fine as a maximum set by Parliament, with the court deciding the actual sentence. For related guidance see the guide to roundabouts and mini-roundabouts.
Common questions
Can I go through amber?
Only if you have already crossed the stop line or are so close that stopping might cause an accident, according to the Code.
Is entering a box junction while queuing an offence?
The Code says a driver must not enter the box until the exit is clear, with an exception when turning right and held up only by oncoming traffic or other right-turning vehicles.
The bottom line
The Highway Code’s junction rules turn on three habits: stop at the line unless the light is green or the amber catches you too close to stop safely, keep the box clear, and give way to pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable users. A traffic-light offence carries 3 penalty points, so two within a new driver’s first two years would trigger licence revocation. The Highway Code applies in England, Scotland and Wales.
Sources
- GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Using the road (159 to 203)”, road junctions rules 170 to 183
- GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Light signals controlling traffic”
- GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Annex 5. Penalties”