Signals

Light signals controlling traffic

Light signals used to control traffic, including traffic light signals, flashing red lights, motorway signals and lane control signals.

Traffic light signals

*RED means ‘Stop’. Wait behind the stop line on the carriageway*

*RED AND AMBER also means ‘Stop’. Do not pass through or start until GREEN shows*

*GREEN means you may go on if the way is clear. Take special care if you intend to turn left or right and give way to pedestrians who are crossing*

*AMBER means ‘Stop’ at the stop line. You may go on only if the AMBER appears after you have crossed the stop line or are so close to it that to pull up might cause an accident*

A GREEN ARROW may be provided in addition to the full green signal if movement in a certain direction is allowed before or after the full green phase. If the way is clear you may go but only in the direction shown by the arrow. You may do this whatever other lights may be showing. White light signals may be provided for trams

Flashing red lights

Motorway signals

These signals are also used on other high-speed roads.

*You MUST NOT proceed further in this lane*

*Temporary maximum speed advised and information message*

*You **MUST NOT** enter or proceed in the left lane, temporary mandatory maximum speed limit and information message*

Lane control signals

Green arrow – lane available to traffic facing the sign
Red crosses – lane closed to traffic facing the sign
White diagonal arrow – change lanes in direction shown

Signals to other road users

Signals used to other road users, including direction indicator signals, brake light signals, reversing light signals and arm signals.

Direction indicator signals

*I intend to move out to the right or turn right*

*I intend to move in to the left or turn left or stop on the left*

These signals should not be used except for the purpose described.

Brake light signals

This signal should not be used except for the purpose described.

Reversing light signals

This signal should not be used except for the purpose described.

Arm signals

For use when direction indicator signals are not used, or when necessary to reinforce direction indicator signals and stop lights. Also for use by pedal cyclists and those in charge of horses.

*I intend to move in to the left or turn left*

These signals should not be used except for the purpose described.

Hazard lights

*I am temporarily obstructing traffic or warning of a hazard or obstruction ahead (see Rule 116)*

Signals by authorized persons

Signals used by authorized persons, including police officers, arm signals to persons controlling traffic, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency officers and traffic officers and school crossing patrols.

Police officers

Stop

*Traffic approaching from both front and behind*

To beckon traffic on

*In Wales, bilingual signs appear on emergency services vehicles and clothing

Arm signals to persons controlling traffic

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency officers and traffic officers

These officers now have new powers to stop/direct vehicles and will be using hand signals and light signals similar to those used by police. You MUST obey any signals given (see Rules 107 and 108).