what should you do when you're approaching traffic lights that have red and amber showing together?
When you’re approaching traffic lights showing red and amber together , you must stop and wait behind the stop line until the light turns green. Red+amber means “remain stopped, prepare to go,” not “go now.”
What does red and amber together mean?
In the UK traffic light sequence, the order is: red → red and amber → green → amber → red.
When red and amber are lit together :
- It means stop and stay behind the line.
- It is a “get ready” phase, not a permission to move.
- You only cross the stop line once the light is fully green and the junction is safe.
So what should you actually do?
As you approach and see red+amber ahead, the safe, correct steps are:
- Slow down in good time so you can stop smoothly at the stop line.
- Stop and remain stationary behind the line while red+amber is showing.
- While waiting, prepare to move off : check mirrors, select the right gear, find the biting point if you drive a manual, and scan the junction.
- Move only when the signal turns green and the way ahead is clear (watch for pedestrians and any traffic still clearing the junction).
A simple example:
You’re rolling up to lights that are red. As you get closer they change to
red+amber. You still stop at the line and wait ; you do not creep forward
or accelerate to “catch” the green. When they change to green, you check it’s
safe, then go.
Common myths and forum debates
Online discussions and learner‑driver forums often argue about this exact phase:
- Some drivers treat red+amber as a mini green and start moving, or even release the brake and creep across the line early.
- Driving instructors, examiners, and official guidance are clear that this is wrong : red+amber has the same “stop” requirement as red; the difference is that you may prepare to move, not actually move.
This matters for tests and real life: crossing the line before green can count as jumping the lights , with possible penalties and, more importantly, a higher risk of collision if other traffic is still clearing the junction.
Quick recap (TL;DR)
- Red+amber together = stop and prepare , not go.
- Stay behind the stop line until the signal is green.
- Use the phase to get ready (mirrors, gear, observations), then move off only on green when it’s safe.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
