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Difficulty: HardTraffic Lights and Signals

You are approaching a signal-controlled junction in the UK. Arrange the four phases of the standard UK traffic light cycle in their correct chronological order, starting from the signal that requires vehicles to stop.

  1. 1Red light illuminated alone (means stop and wait behind the stop line)
  2. 2Red and Amber lights illuminated together (means stop and prepare to go, but do not pass the stop line)
  3. 3Green light illuminated alone (means proceed straight ahead or turn if the way is clear)
  4. 4Amber light illuminated alone (means stop at the stop line unless you are too close to stop safely)

Answer

The correct chronological order of standard UK traffic light phases is: Red alone, followed by Red and Amber together, followed by Green alone, and finally Amber alone before cycling back to Red.
The standard UK traffic signal sequence operates strictly in a four-stage cycle: Red alone (Stop) -> Red and Amber together (Stop and prepare) -> Green alone (Go if clear) -> Amber alone (Stop unless unsafe). Starting from the stop instruction, the sequence progresses logically through preparation, movement, and stopping warning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the mandatory initial stopping phase
Red light illuminated alone is identified as the first phase.
Under Highway Code Rule 109, a single red aspect is the primary signal prohibiting traffic from proceeding past the stop line.
2
Identify the preparation phase prior to moving off
Red and Amber lights illuminated simultaneously form the second phase.
In the UK signal sequence, Red and Amber show together after Red to give drivers notice to prepare to proceed without permitting movement yet.
3
Identify the go phase
Green light illuminated alone forms the third phase.
Green follows Red and Amber, permitting drivers to proceed through the intersection if it is clear and safe to do so.
4
Identify the change-warning phase prior to returning to red
Amber light illuminated alone forms the fourth phase.
Amber alone follows Green to command a stop before the cycle reverts to Red, unless stopping cannot be achieved safely.

Key Concept

Standard UK four-phase traffic light sequence and associated legal driver obligations under Highway Code Rule 109
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Traffic Lights and Signals

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