Traffic Lights Offence

It is expressly forbidden to cross the solid white line at a red traffic light in any circumstances.

An amber signal conveys the same prohibition as the red signal which means that a driver must also stop at an amber signal unless the vehicle is so close to the solid white line it would be unsafe to stop or it has already passed the solid white line.

The prohibition on passing the stop line applies to any part of your vehicle when the red light is showing so if the front of your vehicle has already crossed the line when the light changes to red, it is an offence for you to proceed any further.

The stop line is usually visible on the road immediately adjacent to the signals but if the stop line is not visible, then you should come to a halt in line with the post or other structure upon which the traffic lights themselves are mounted. To proceed through a red traffic light signal is still an offence, even if the stop line is not fully visible.

You are likely to be offered a fixed penalty for this type offence which, if accepted, would result in 3 penalty points being endorsed upon your licence and a £60 fine. The fine is means tested if the matter proceeds to Court and it could be up to £1,000.

Many prosecutions now rely on camera evidence to determine a traffic light penalty, which in turn involves the prosecuting authorities having to strictly comply with a complex area of law before they can succeed in obtaining a conviction. With expert legal advice, you may be able to successfully challenge the evidence or possibly put forward "special reasons" as to why your licence should not be endorsed.

Contact us now using our online contact form below to discuss your specific circumstances.