Light signals controlling traffic

Red traffic light

RED means ‘Stop’. Wait behind the stop line on the carriageway

What does this light signal mean?

Red means stop. Hold the vehicle behind the painted stop line until the signal changes, since this is the one phase in the sequence carrying no conditions at all. Crossing that line while red shows is an offence in its own right, whatever happens afterwards. Where an advanced stop line is provided for cycles, motor traffic waits at the first line and the reserved space beyond belongs to cyclists.

Highway Code references

• Rule 109 from General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158)
• Rule 175 from Using the road (159 to 203)
• Rule 176 from Using the road (159 to 203)

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