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Difficulty: MediumTraffic Lights and Signals

You are approaching a signal-controlled crossroads at normal road speed. Well before reaching the white stop line, the traffic light changes from green to amber alone. How should you respond to this signal change?

  1. A
    Accelerate sharply to cross the stop line before the red phase appears
  2. Stop before the stop line unless pulling up suddenly could cause a collisionAnswer
  3. C
    Flash your headlights to claim priority over oncoming traffic and drive on through
  4. D
    Treat the amber light as an advisory hazard notice and maintain your current driving speed

Answer

Stop before the stop line unless pulling up suddenly could cause a collision
The Highway Code states that an amber traffic light means stop at the stop line. You may only proceed if the amber light appears after you have crossed the stop line or when you are so close to it that pulling up abruptly might cause a rear-end collision or loss of vehicle control.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the traffic signal aspect and current vehicle position
The signal has changed from green to amber alone, and the vehicle is far enough back to stop safely before the stop line.
Traffic light rules determine driver obligations based on signal phase and safe stopping ability.
2
Apply the statutory rule for an amber traffic light
Recognize that amber means 'Stop' at the stop line.
Under UK Highway Code Rule 175, an amber signal commands drivers to stop unless they have already crossed the line or are too close to stop safely.
3
Execute smooth, controlled braking to bring the vehicle to a halt before the stop line
The vehicle stops safely behind the white line before the red phase begins.
Controlled deceleration prevents entering the junction illegally and avoids hazard creation.

Key Concept

Meaning and driver obligations under an amber traffic light signal phase
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Traffic Lights and Signals

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