Traffic lights regulate traffic where conflicts are most frequent: at junctions, pedestrian crossings and roadworks. In the test you must be able to interpret every phase – including the rare ones.
The phases and what they mean
The three lights of an ordinary traffic light – from top: red, amber, green.
Red – stopAmber – stop if you safely canGreen – the way is clear
Green: you may proceed, but only if the junction is clear. Green never removes the duty of care: late pedestrians and vehicles still clearing the junction keep their priority.
Amber: stop, unless you are already so close that you cannot halt safely – heavy braking would endanger those behind you.
Red: you must stop before the stop line. If there is none, stop before the light so that you keep a view of the junction.
Red and amber together: green is about to show. Prepare to move off, but do not move yet.
Flashing amber: the light is no longer controlling traffic. The signs in place then apply – and if there are none, priority from the right. Take extra care: others may not have grasped the situation.
Remember: a light that is off or flashing never means «I go first». It means «which rule applies now?».
Arrow signals and lane signals
A green arrow permits only the direction shown. A green arrow together with a red light means: only that direction is clear, all others must wait.
Above the lanes – typically on motorways and in tunnels – you will find signals that apply to a single lane:
Red cross: lane closed, you must leave it.
Flashing diagonal arrow: change lanes in the direction shown.
Green downward arrow: the lane is open.
These signals override road markings and fixed signs: they are adjusted to the situation in real time.
The order of precedence
Instructions from the police – these override everything else.
Light signals – these override signs.
Signs and markings – these override the general rule.
The general rule, in particular priority from the right.
Remember: this order is a classic test question. Learn it from top to bottom – from the human being down to the rule.
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