A red traffic light means _________.

Related Information

Red, yellow (amber), and green are the standard traffic light colors around the world, however, the UK has a different phasing scheme from other nations. Lights go from red to red and amber to green to amber and back to red. Green filter arrows to the left or right may appear at any time in order to allow traffic to move in that direction when the red light is on.

What do the colors of the traffic lights mean?

When the light turns red, you must stop at or behind the white line (or where otherwise indicated). The white line is placed in such a way that pedestrians can cross in front of the waiting vehicles without getting in the way of the traffic crossing the junction. Only when instructed by a police officer can you proceed past a red light. Do not proceed through a red and amber light together until green illuminates. If you can, stop when you see an amber light. In order to give all vehicles enough time to safely stop, the amber light often remains on for 4-6 seconds. An amber flashing light at a pedestrian crossing signals that you can go if it’s safe (i.e. there are no pedestrians still crossing). If the light is green, you should proceed if it is safe to do so (i.e., no pedestrians are crossing) and there is room for your car on the opposite side of the intersection. When the lights are out, drive carefully since no one has the right-of-way.