Teorio
Main signal
At a red light, drivers must not pass the signal or stop line. Pedestrians must not begin crossing the carriageway if this would obstruct drivers or involve danger. A red light together with a yellow light warns that the change to green will take place shortly. At a green light, drivers may pass the signal or stop line if the road is clear. Pedestrians may cross the carriageway. A yellow light alone warns that the change to red will take place shortly, and that drivers shall stop. Drivers may nevertheless pass the signal or stop line if the vehicle has come so far forward that stopping cannot take place without danger.
When you see the sign
Adjust your speed so that you can follow the signal phase and stop at the stop line or before the signal. Proceed on green only when the road is clear, and remain stationary on red or red and amber.
Rules
- On red, you must stop before the stop line. If there is no stop line, you must not pass the signal.
- Red and amber together warn that green is coming shortly, but you must still remain stationary until the signal turns green.
- On green, you may pass the stop line or signal if the road is clear. You must still comply with right-of-way rules and take other road users, including pedestrians when turning, into consideration.
- Amber alone means that you must stop because the signal is about to turn red. You may continue only if you have come so far forward that stopping cannot be done safely.
Tips
- Look for the stop line early so that you know exactly where to stop.
- Release the accelerator and be prepared to stop when approaching a signal that has been green for some time.
- Check that the junction is clear before proceeding on green, so that you do not stop and block crossing traffic.
- When the light changes to red and amber, get ready to move off, but wait until green is actually displayed.
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that red and amber means you can start driving. This combination is still a stop signal.
- Speeding up to get through on amber. Amber requires you to stop unless stopping cannot be done safely.
- Thinking that a green light gives you unconditional right of way. You may proceed only when the road is clear, and other right-of-way rules still apply.
Theory test tip
A common trap involves a vehicle that is close to the stop line when the light turns amber. The correct answer depends on whether the driver can stop safely: If it can be done safely, the driver must stop; otherwise, the driver may continue.
Did you know
The red-and-amber combination is used as a separate warning that a green light is coming shortly. As long as the red light is still displayed, however, you are prohibited from passing the stop line or signal.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stop at a red light?
You must stop before the stop line. If there is no stop line, you must stop without passing the signal.
Can I drive when the signal shows red and amber at the same time?
No. Red and amber only warn that a green light is coming shortly, and you must wait until the signal actually turns green.
Do I always have to brake sharply when the light turns amber?
No. You must stop if it can be done safely, but may proceed if you have come so far forward that stopping would be dangerous.
Can I enter a junction that is already full when I have a green light?
No. A green light permits you to proceed only when the road is clear, so you must wait if you risk stopping and blocking the junction.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
