The Traffic Light Sequence: Guide to UK Traffic Lights

Whether you’re preparing for your DVSA theory test, revising the Highway Code, or simply brushing up on your road safety knowledge, the subject of traffic lights is vital. Traffic lights are a cornerstone of road safety, controlling traffic flow and ensuring motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users share the roads safely.

In this helpful guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about traffic lights in the UK, including the traffic light sequence, what each traffic light means, how to approach them, and what to do when traffic lights are not working. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to handle any question involving traffic lights!

Traffic lights, also known as traffic signals or stoplights, are tall devices positioned at road junctions, pedestrian crossings, and other locations to control the movement of traffic. They’re usually accompanied by road markings and signage. In the UK, traffic lights follow a three-colour system: red at the top, amber in the middle, and green at the bottom. Each light communicates a specific instruction to road users, and knowing how to respond is crucial, not just for passing your DVSA theory test and driving test but for keeping yourself and others safe on the roads.

If a red light appears on the traffic lights, it’s a mandatory instruction that you must come to a complete stop behind the stop line. Under no circumstances should vehicles attempt to proceed or cross the line while the red light is visible. Failing to comply with a red traffic light is a serious offence that can result in penalty points, fines, and even prosecution in serious cases.

When a steady amber light is shown at the traffic lights, it tells vehicles that the lights are about to turn red and they should prepare to stop. However, you may go through a steady amber traffic light only if you’ve already crossed the stop line or are so close to it that stopping could result in a collision. [1]

When a red and amber light appear at the same time, this indicates that the lights are about to turn green. Motorists can prepare to go, but they should not pass through until a green light appears.

Some traffic lights, including those at pelican crossings, have a flashing amber light phase. This means that you must give way to pedestrians on the crossing or about to cross. If the amber light is flashing and there are no pedestrians at the crossing, you can move off with caution. [1]

If a green light appears on the traffic light, it signals vehicles to go or proceed, but only if the way ahead is clear. It does not mean you have absolute right of way. Before moving off, watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and other road users, especially when turning left or right at the junction.

At some intersections, you’ll encounter traffic lights with an additional green filter arrow. If a green filter arrow appears, you can proceed if it’s safe to do so in the direction shown by the arrow, even if the other signals are showing red. These arrows are usually positioned next to the main traffic light.