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Difficulty: HardRoad Markings

At a busy signal-controlled crossroads, yellow criss-cross lines are painted on the carriageway to form a box junction. Under the UK Highway Code, in which of the following circumstances are you legally permitted to enter and wait within the box junction?

  1. A
    When proceeding straight ahead on a green signal, provided that moving traffic ahead has not come to a complete stop
  2. When turning right and your exit lane is clear, but you are prevented from completing the manoeuvre by oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead waiting to turn rightAnswer
  3. C
    When following a large goods vehicle turning left, allowing extra clearance for its wide turning radius within the marked area
  4. D
    When queuing behind slow-moving traffic after oncoming vehicles flash their headlights to concede priority

Answer

You are permitted to enter the box junction and wait when you want to turn right and your exit road is clear, but you are prevented from completing the turn by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right.
According to Rule 174 of the UK Highway Code, you MUST NOT enter a box junction unless your exit road or lane is clear. The only legal exception is when you wish to turn right and your exit road is clear, but you are prevented from completing the manoeuvre solely by oncoming traffic or by other vehicles ahead of you waiting to turn right.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the marking and the primary regulatory rule
Criss-cross yellow lines denote a box junction governed by Rule 174 of the UK Highway Code, which establishes that drivers must not enter unless their exit lane is clear.
Establishing the fundamental restriction prevents entering on green lights when the exit is blocked.
2
Evaluate the statutory exception for right turns
Rule 174 contains an explicit exception allowing drivers to enter the box and wait if turning right, provided their exit road is clear and they are only held up by oncoming traffic or other right-turning vehicles.
This exception keeps traffic flowing smoothly without penalising right-turning drivers who must wait for oncoming gaps.
3
Select the option that matches the exact legal exception
The statement describing entering to turn right with a clear exit while waiting for oncoming traffic or other right-turning vehicles is the only legally compliant condition.
All other scenarios breach the requirement of having a clear exit before entering.

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 174: Box Junction Rules and Right-Turn Exceptions
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Topics

Road Markings

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