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Traffic light signal
The sign warns of a traffic light signal.
When you see the sign
Be prepared for traffic lights further ahead, and pay especially close attention to which colour is showing. Adjust your speed early so that you can stop in a controlled manner if the signal changes to yellow or red.
Rules
- The sign is a warning sign indicating traffic lights ahead, but it does not by itself require you to stop.
- At a red light, you must stop before the stop line or, if there is no stop line, before the signal.
- At a yellow light, you must stop if this can be done safely; do not increase your speed to make it through the junction.
- A green light permits you to proceed, but only when the road or junction is clear and you will not be left obstructing other traffic.
- The traffic light takes precedence over give-way signs, but directions from the police take precedence over both traffic lights and signs.
Tips
- Release the accelerator and be prepared to brake as you approach the signal, especially if the light has been green for some time.
- Look for the stop line early so that you know where to stop the vehicle at a red or yellow light.
- Keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front, as it may brake suddenly when the signal changes.
- Be aware that queues, vegetation, bends or the crest of a hill may make the traffic light itself difficult to spot until you are close to it.
Common misconceptions
- Some people think the sign means they must always stop, but it only warns of traffic lights further ahead.
- Some interpret a yellow light as an instruction to speed up, even though the main rule is that you must stop when this can be done safely.
- Some people think a green light gives them an unconditional right to proceed, but you must still avoid entering if the junction is blocked.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign warn about?
- AIt warns of a traffic light signal further ahead.
- BIt warns of a steep slope further ahead.
- CIt warns of a dangerous bend further ahead.
- DIt warns of a narrower road further ahead.
Medium
You are approaching the signal, and the light changes to yellow. You can stop safely. What do you do?
- AYou stop before the stop line.
- BYou increase your speed through the intersection.
- CYou continue at the same speed.
- DYou stop only after the signal.
Hard
After passing the sign, you reach an intersection with a red light and a vikeplikt sign (give-way sign). A police officer clearly signals you to drive. What do you do?
- AYou follow the red light and stop until the signal turns green.
- BYou follow the vikeplikt sign and wait until all traffic has passed.
- CYou follow the warning sign and stop before reaching the signal.
- DYou follow the police officer’s signal and drive when this can be done safely.
Theory test tip
A common trap is to confuse the warning with an instruction to stop. In the theory test, you must distinguish between the warning sign, which indicates the traffic lights, and the colour shown by the traffic light, which determines whether you may proceed.
Did you know
The sign is used particularly where traffic lights may come as a surprise or be difficult to spot in time, for example after a bend, behind the crest of a hill or on a road where drivers would not normally expect traffic lights.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to stop as soon as I see the sign?
No, the sign only warns of traffic lights further ahead. You must adjust your speed and follow the signal’s instructions when you reach it.
What should I do when the light changes to yellow?
You must stop if this can be done safely. If you are so close to the signal that heavy braking could create a hazard, you may continue.
Can I enter the junction when the light is green if there is a queue on the other side?
No, you must not enter if you risk being left blocking the junction. Wait until there is enough room to get all the way through.
What applies if a police officer is directing traffic at the lights?
You must follow the police officer’s instructions even if they differ from the traffic light. Police instructions take precedence over traffic lights, signs and other traffic rules.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
