UK traffic lights

The traffic light sequence

1. Stage 1

   Red

   Stop. Wait behind the white stop line.

2. Stage 2

   Red and amber

   Stop. Do not pass through or start until green shows.

3. Stage 3

   Green

   You may go on if the way is clear. Take special care if you are turning, and give way to pedestrians who are crossing.

4. Stage 4

   Amber

   Stop at the stop line. You may only go on if the amber appears after you have crossed the line, or you are so close that pulling up might cause a collision.

After amber, the lights return to red and the sequence starts again.

Other signals

• Pedestrian signals

  At signal-controlled crossings, a red figure tells pedestrians to wait and a green figure shows when they may cross. At a pelican crossing, a flashing amber light means drivers must give way to anyone still on the crossing, but may go on if it is clear.

• Filter arrows

  A green arrow alongside the main lights means you may go in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear, even if another light is showing. Only use it if you are in the correct lane for that direction.

More signal types, including level crossing lights, are coming soon. Summaries are based on the Highway Code: light signals controlling traffic (opens GOV.UK).