Traffic lights and filter lights

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the UK traffic light sequence in order.
• You can decide early and safely whether to stop on amber.
• You can use a green filter arrow correctly.
• You can stop at the right line where there is an advanced stop line for cyclists.
• You can deal with a junction where the lights are not working.

What you need to know and understand

• The sequence is red, red and amber, green, amber, then red again.
• Red, and red and amber together, both mean stop. Do not move until green shows.
• Green means you may go on if the way is clear. Give way to pedestrians still crossing.
• Amber means stop at the stop line. You may only continue if you have already crossed the line or are so close that stopping might cause a collision.
• A green arrow lets you go only in the direction it points, even if the main light is red.
• At an advanced stop line, stop at the first white line on amber or red, and leave the cycle area clear.
• If the lights are not working, treat the junction as unmarked and take great care.

Planning for the change

A green light that has been showing for a while may change soon. Ease off, cover the brake and decide where your 'point of no return' is. If the light turns amber before you reach it, you can stop smoothly. Speeding up to beat the lights is dangerous and is how many junction crashes happen.

When you are stopped at red, use the time to check mirrors and plan your next move. When the lights turn to red and amber, get ready, but do not move until green shows and the junction is clear.

Filter arrows, lanes and turning

• A green filter arrow applies only to the lane it is over. Enter that lane only if you are going the way the arrow points.
• Give other traffic, especially cyclists, time and room to move into the filter lane.
• On green, only go if there is room to clear the junction. The exception is if you are moving forward to wait for a gap to turn right.
• When turning on green, give way to pedestrians already crossing the road you are turning into.
• Do not block a junction or crossing when traffic ahead is queuing.

Advanced stop lines and broken lights

Some lights have a box painted in front of the normal stop line, often with a bicycle symbol. This is a reserved area for cyclists so they can wait where drivers can see them. Stop at the first line when the lights are amber or red. If you crossed the first line just as the lights changed to red, you must stop at the second line and not go further into the box.

If the lights are not working, treat the junction as an unmarked one where nobody has priority. Approach slowly, look in every direction and be ready to give way.

Common mistakes

• Moving off on red and amber. Wait for green and check the junction is clear.
• Braking very harshly on amber with a car close behind. Read the lights early and check your mirror.
• Following the green arrow when you are in the wrong lane. Arrows only apply to their own lane.
• Stopping in the cycle box. Stop at the first white line.
• Pulling forward on green into a queue that blocks the junction. Wait until there is space beyond it.

Test yourself: Traffic lights and filter lights

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Highway Code Light Signals