UK Driving test-Traffic lights; what is the correct rule?

Question

According to the Highway Code, amber always means 'stop'.
But my driving instructor is adamant that when amber is flashing at a crossing, you can go on providing the way is clear. Helpfully the HC doesn't even mention flashing amber!

I have pointed this out to him, but he says that were I to wait for the lights to change to Green, the examiner would mark it as a mistake.

So can someone confirm what is the correct rule? And perhaps explain why the Highway code is apparently giving out duff information?

http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/signs01.htm

I'm inclined to go with my instructor's advice, since i KNOW that he's successfully got many people through their test.
It just pisses me off that the Highway code should be wrong. What else is it wrong about?

Answer 1

He is correct. When the SOLID amber light is amber you must stop unless stopping would cause an accident. When the FLASHING amber light shows - you will have already stopped on Red or Amber. So, if it is clear, you may procede.

Answer 2

Your instructor is correct. I have copied the relevant rule it from www.highwaycode.gov.uk

172: Pelican crossings. These are signal-controlled crossings where flashing amber follows the red 'Stop' light. You MUST stop when the red light shows. When the amber light is flashing, you MUST give way to any pedestrians on the crossing. If the amber light is flashing and there are no pedestrians on the crossing, you may proceed with caution.

Therefore:-

The general rule is only pass an amber flashing light if it is safe (ie the crossing is clear). You only have an amber flashing light on a pelican crossing. All other crossings (puffin, toucan and pegasis etc) all have a steady amber. You must not proceed through a steady amber light unless it is dangerous to stop (so if it goes amber as you approach and you dont have time to stop safely). In many ways it is the same rule that applies to a zebra crossing. The amber belicia beacon is always flashing, but you only stop if the crossing is in use or about to be used. Your examiner would fault you for waiting at an empty pelican or zebra crossing with a flashing amber, and fault you for passing through a solid amber light at all other crossings unless it was too dangerous to stop. The level of fault would depend on the situation at the time. If you caused serious inconvenience or danger to other road users, it could be a serious or dangerous fault and result in a failed test.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your test.

Answer 3

Highway Code Traffic Lights

Answer 4

You are getting the two places mixed up. At traffic lights at a junction you should stop at the amber light unless you are far too close to stop safely when the amber appears. You should not go on until the green light comes on. At a pedestrian crossing controlled by traffic lights the flashing amber comes on after the red so you may go on providing the crossing is clear. (This flashing light is to allow traffic to proceed in those cases where pedestrians have finished using the crossing, thus avoiding an unnecessary queue of traffic)

Answer 5

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RE:
UK Driving test-Traffic lights; what is the correct rule?
According to the Highway Code, amber always means 'stop'.
But my driving instructor is adamant that when amber is flashing at a crossing, you can go on providing the way is clear. Helpfully the HC doesn't even mention flashing amber!

I have pointed this out to him, but he says that...

Answer 6

with regard to the highway code, i dont think the info is duff, it just isnt going intot the types of traffic signals, and crossings that are lights controlled. you must not confuse a junction of traffic lights with crossings, as there are different types, and maybe the highway code is being a bit too general.
there are several types of crossings, suprised me when i started training as a driving instructor, pelican, puffin, zebra etc etc.
According to the dept of transport book on traffic signals: "Amber means stop. you may only go no if the amber appears after you have crossed the stop line or are so close to it that to pull up might cause an accident". this is the rule for traffic signals.

there are different sequences for pedestrian crossings though, and this is where your instructor is correct. at a pelican crossing, if the amber light is flashing you must give way to pedestrians who are crossing, but do not encourage others to cross, flash your lights to encourage others to cross or rev your engine impatiently.

Answer 7

Really your question is complicated by the two types of lights
Traffic lights are one thing
Pedestrian control crossing lights are another
Traffic light as at junctions etc Red is STOP, Amber also means STOP and only Green means GO. So the order is Red (stop) then Red and Amber(stop) but be prepared to go and Green(go) providing it is safe to do so. Then down to Amber only and this means stop unless it would not be safe to do so then Red and this means you must stop
Crossing lights are different and I believe the HC states Red is stop, flashing Amber is proceed if the crossing is clear and it is safe to do so and Green is go again providing that it is safe to do so
The HC describe them as Pelican or Toucan crossing controlled by lights
Now question your instructor and ask if he or she would show you where they are in the HC and go through it with you.
You are paying him or her a reasonable amount of money and this is basic stuff that they should have gone through with you
Good luck and keep the roads safe

Answer 8

Fran.. 1. At traffic lights apply the handbrake once you stop - you can keep the car in gear with the clutch down if you wish (your choice, you can put it in neutral if you want) 2. coasting - NEVER coast. Make sure you have a little brake applied when you put the clutch down - then you are NOT coasting. Put your clutch down before the car shudders and stalls, it will depend on your gear and speed rather than distance from the line.....but do it whilst you are still braking and then you won't be coasting :-) 3. beware of your mums habits. The way people are taught to drive has changed over the years - make sure she is not teaching you the wrong stuff. Learning to drive is expensive, but it could be more expensive the way you are going about it. Try to mix a little professional tuition with your private practice, that s the best way to pass. Best of Luck.

Answer 9

The standard is pretty universal. With flashing amber you have to be prepared to stop. If the flashing amber is the warning that the light is about to turn red, you stop if you are far enough to stop safely, you go through if you are so close it is not safe. A flashing amber signal means that a motorist may go ahead with care if the road is clear, giving way to pedestrians and to other road vehicles that may have priority. The single flashing amber signal is used in the UK and Australia at Pelican crossings.

Answer 10

Flashing amber is different to steady amber.

The correct rule is...

GREEN - You may go.

STEADY AMBER - You must stop - if it is safe to do so. 3 second rule approaching a traffic light. If the car behind you is too close, then you may take avoiding action by driving through on a steady amber light.

RED - You must stop.

RED and AMBER together, you must be stopped but you may get ready to proceed (check mirrors and get in gear)

GREEN - You may go.

On pedestrian crossings, the RED and AMBER is replaced by a FLASHING AMBER.

FLASHING AMBER - You must be stopped but you may get ready to proceed (check mirrors and get in gear)

or, if you are approaching a pedestrian crossing and the crossing is clear and the amber light is flashing, you may proceed, otherwise give way to whoever is using the crossing.

Hope this is clear.

Answer 11

The rule is, that amber is a caution that red is next and should therefore be treated as a stop light unless you are so close that trying to stop would be hazardous. The flashing amber means it's ok to go if you are cautious and no one is on the crossing.