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Difficulty: MediumTraffic Lights and Signals

While waiting in a queue of traffic at a signal-controlled junction, the lights change from red to red and amber together. What does this signal combination require you to do?

  1. A
    Move forward immediately if your intended exit route is clear
  2. B
    Flash your headlights to notify approaching drivers that you are entering the junction
  3. Wait stationary behind the stop line until the green light appearsAnswer
  4. D
    Creep forward past the stop line while checking your vehicle's instrument cluster for warning lights

Answer

Wait stationary behind the stop line until the green light appears.
Under Highway Code Rule 175 and light signal regulations, red and amber showing together signifies that a green light is imminent, but it still means stop. Drivers must remain stationary behind the stop line and must not cross it until the green light appears and the path ahead is clear.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legal meaning of the red and amber lights illuminated simultaneously.
Recognise that red and amber together is a preparatory phase in the UK traffic light sequence that still conveys a mandatory stop instruction.
Under the Highway Code and UK road traffic regulations, red and amber together means stop and forbids vehicles from crossing the stop line.
2
Determine the correct driver action required during this intermediate signal state.
Maintain a full stop behind the white stop line while preparing to move off safely once permitted.
Moving off before the green light shows risks collisions with vehicles or pedestrians who are finishing their transit through the junction.
3
Identify the signal aspect that legally authorises proceeding.
Confirm that only the appearance of the green light permits crossing the stop line, provided the junction exit is clear.
Green is the only phase that grants permission to proceed.

Key Concept

UK Traffic Light Sequence and Red-and-Amber Mandatory Stop Rule
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Traffic Lights and Signals

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