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Signal for public transport
A light in the upper, middle or lower light aperture, or in a combination of these, has the same meaning as a light in the corresponding light apertures in the main signal.
When you see the sign
First determine whether the public transport signal applies to your vehicle or to the lane you are driving in. Lights in the upper, middle and lower apertures should be understood as red, yellow and green lights respectively in a main signal. Stop or proceed according to this meaning, and only proceed when the road is clear.
Rules
- A light in the upper aperture has the same meaning as a red light: You must stop before the stop line or signal.
- Lights simultaneously in the upper and middle apertures correspond to red and yellow lights: You must remain stopped, but the signal will change to a proceed signal shortly.
- A light in the lower aperture corresponds to a green light: You may pass if the road is clear.
- A light in the middle aperture alone corresponds to a yellow light: You must stop unless you have already reached a point where stopping cannot be done without danger.
Tips
- Look at which aperture is illuminated, not for the usual red, yellow and green colours.
- Check whether the signal is positioned for a public transport lane or a route for buses or trams, so that you do not follow the wrong signal.
- When the proceed signal is shown, you must still check for crossing traffic, pedestrians and whether the junction is clear.
- When the upper and middle apertures are illuminated simultaneously, get ready, but do not start driving yet.
Common misconceptions
- Learners think that all drivers must follow the public transport signal, even when it clearly regulates a separate public transport route or another lane.
- Learners interpret a light in the middle aperture as permission to proceed. The middle light alone corresponds to a yellow light and generally means that you must stop.
- Learners start driving when the upper and middle apertures are illuminated simultaneously. This combination corresponds to red and yellow, so passing is still prohibited.
Theory test tip
In the theory test, you may see an image without the usual red, yellow and green lights. Remember the positions: the top means stop, the middle alone means stop if this can be done without danger, and the bottom means that you may proceed if the road is clear.
Did you know
Public transport signals use the position of the light to convey the same basic meaning as a standard main signal. They are used, among other things, to regulate buses and trams separately from other traffic.
Frequently asked questions
What does a light in the upper aperture mean?
It has the same meaning as a red light in a main signal. You must stop before the stop line or, if there is no stop line, before the signal.
Can I proceed when the upper and middle apertures are illuminated simultaneously?
No. The combination corresponds to red and yellow lights and only indicates that a proceed signal will appear shortly.
What does a light in the lower aperture mean?
It corresponds to a green light in a main signal. You may pass, but only if the road and junction are clear.
Is a public transport signal the same as a lane-control signal?
No. A public transport signal regulates public transport and follows the meaning of the apertures in a main signal, whereas a lane-control signal indicates whether a particular lane is open, closed or must be vacated.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
