Accelerating through a yellow light (2024)

Accelerating through an amber light

11/12/2015

36 Comments

This blog continues our series on habits picked up after passing your driving test.Should you accelerate through anamber​light? The short answer is NO! You must STOP if you see a amber or red light at a traffic light, the only exception is if the driver is too close to the lights to stop safely.

Accelerating through a yellow light (1)

UK law

The law is very strict when it comes to crossing anamber​or red light. The law states that it is the drivers' obligation to stop at a set of traffic lights unless the light is green. The driver must continue to travel only when they have already crossed the white line or that coming to a stop is likely to cause an accident.

When should I stop?

There is a complicated mathematical method of working out the point of no return in regards to being too close to the traffic lights, however, in time you should be able to decide whether it is safe to go or not.

What to do when approaching any traffic lights

  1. Be aware of your surroundings
  2. Do not exceed the speed limit
  3. Check who is behind you
  4. Check your blind spot.Especially if you areturning

If you do stop, ensure that there isn't someone too close behind you as this will cause an incident. Be aware that not stopping at anamberlight is still a punishable offence, although usually penalties are not given, but driving through a red light is given a punishment is given every time. Throughout the last few years, there has been a rise in the number of

red light cameras

, which means there is an increasingly large risk of being caught.

How long will the amberlight stay on for?

As a general rule of thumb, the amberlight on any traffic light usually stays on 1 second longer per 10 miles an hour increase in speed.

Running a red or amberlight

Going through a red light is very dangerous but travelling through anamberlight can be as bad. On fast moving roads the amberlight usually turns red just as the other set of traffic light turns green. This means if someone accelerates through anamberlight, it is quite possible for the light to turn red and then face oncoming traffic.

I’m invincible

You have an incredibly fast car, you think you will be able to be quick enough to escape any traffic that may be joining your road. Is it worth getting a ticket? In the UK the fine is usually 3 point penalty places on the drivers licence and £100. Although if there is an incident or you fight the amber/red light conviction in court, it may be possible for a greater fine to be established and given to you.

What to do when a light turns amber

The best idea if you see a green light turning amber​is to check your mirrors and safely come to a stop behind the white line.

Check our other blogs on

driving habits

11/12/2015 17/09/2017 Accelerating through an amber light… Should you accelerate through an amber light? The short answer is NO! You must STOP if you see a amber or red light at a traffic light, the only exception is if the driver is too close to the lights to stop safely.

Accelerating through a yellow light (2)

Author: Royal Som

Accelerating through a yellow light (3)

Royal

Should you accelerate through an amber light? The short answer is NO! You must STOP if you see a amber or red light at a traffic light, the only exception is if the driver is too close to the lights to stop safely. - UK Law - When should I stop? - What to do when approaching any traffic lights - How long will the amber light stay on for? - Running a red of amber light - I’m Invincible - What to do when a light turns amber

36 Comments

31/12/2015 07:14:39 am

hello,
i really like your blog it is really informative

Reply

Waynecbell

28/7/2017 09:01:46 am

Hi I came to a set of traffic lights with a camara on fallowing a large hgv we both got threw on green but he decided to slow right down to about 10 mph reason I don't know maybe he was lost witch in this case I was behind him when them light turned to Red simply if he never slowed down I wouldn't be in this position I'm in now any advice to help me Thankyou

Reply

Wayne

28/7/2017 09:05:55 am

Could you still be fined in this case are do you have to actually go straight through a Red like as I said I went through a green light but got stuck behind a wagon in the middle when the lights turned to Red Thankyou

Reply

Timlink

17/9/2017 01:38:51 pm

Hi Wayne, sorry for the late response, chances are you will be absolutely fine. As you have gone past the white line when the lights were green. However If there is an issue make sure an appeal is lodged explain in detail what happened.

Charlie

9/10/2017 01:59:23 pm

Hi I am hoping you can help me I was driving and the traffic light was amber it felt unsafe for me to stop in time so I continued however there were black box type camera on top of the speed camera what will the outcome of this be? I am very nervous thank you for your help x

Reply

Brian

6/4/2018 11:23:50 am

I went through amber light as I was aproaching in turned amber there was a police car behind me he stopped I thought I was too close to stop ..he caught up to me traveling the same way I was unlucky to get another light going amber with him behind he stopped again I was too close again then he was behind me again then he turned into police station ,,would he have stopped me if I was in the wrong

Reply

Phil

22/12/2020 05:22:25 pm

If they feel you done something wrong they will stop you.

Reply

Marcel

14/8/2018 04:11:22 am

Hi guys,

today I stopped on the lights and I could see 1 flash. I am confused, because I did stop right on the white stop line next to the lights as there was car just behind me and I had to stop safely. In the past I saw 2 flashes. Anyone knows what is the difference and why I could be flashed?

Thanks

Marcel

Reply

Caroline Maguire

21/3/2019 10:30:36 pm

So I was at traffic lights which was green at the time but traffic had moved when I started to move it went to amber before I could stop. I hope I don't get a ticket.

Reply

Vladas

27/4/2019 05:45:03 pm

Hi I am hoping you can help me I was driving and the traffic light was grean and sudenly amber it felt unsafe for me to stop in time so I continued however there were black box type camera on top of the speed camera what will the outcome of this be? I am very nervous thank you for your help

Reply

Arek

27/8/2021 06:11:34 pm

Did you get a ticket ?

Reply

nel

13/2/2024 08:42:58 am

Hi what happened after that? did you get any ticket

Reply

David

15/8/2019 10:51:55 am

Hi I was driving today and got up to the lights and they was on amber how ever there was a car that was quite close behind me and I felt that it was unsafe to stop will I receive points or a ticket for this?

Reply

Margaret

25/11/2019 09:20:32 pm

If Someone passes on amber light and police was behind them but never stopped them... is it still possible to get a fine and points?

Reply

stefan

1/2/2020 07:28:05 am

Hi when I approach the traffic light it was green on a 30 mph road when I got to the traffic light it turn yellow and I codant stop in time and I passed through and I noticet that the traffic camera tooch a picture will I get fine for this

Reply

Ryan

6/2/2020 04:06:46 pm

I was stopped over the white line, yellow box in front of me. The light changed to amber as soon as I pulled off as I could see my car would fit on other side of yellow box, although there was cameras on the light?

Reply

Aba

15/6/2021 08:33:51 am

Hi did you get a ticket ?

Reply

Priyashinee Gooljar

11/7/2020 10:54:30 pm

Hello,

Today, I was waiting at a set of traffic lights which turned green after some time, but whilst I was waiting for a cyclist who was behind me to pass before I moved, the lights changed to amber, and because it wasnt red I thought it would be safe to drive on. Can I get fined or prosecuted for this?

Reply

JJ

30/7/2020 08:51:05 pm

Hi, good blog. I recently passed through an amber light and I think I seen the lazer scan my car. Will I get a fine for this ? I was driving within the speed limit but was too close to the white line and braking would have been harsh however nobody was behind me. If the camera flashes, is it inevitable to get a fine or will they show some leeway and let me off because it was amber ?

Reply

Aba

15/6/2021 08:34:27 am

Hi did you get a ticket?

Reply

Andy Rai

15/9/2021 08:56:19 am

Hi, i was with my pupil in driving lesson. Light was green, but as the student was very very hesitant to speed up, the lights changed to amber as while crossing the stop line.
What would that case be treated as.
Looking forward for your view please.
Kind regards,
Andy

Reply

Shipon Miah

27/5/2022 01:20:57 pm

Hi I received a notice through post. Traffic signal was green as I was side by side to the traffic lights. It was slow moving line. I passed the traffic light and it changed to yellow whilst I was in the 9th line mark and got flashed. Can appeal in this situation? What do you think will the worst case scenario

Reply

John brown

2/3/2023 01:18:24 pm

I was overtaking a bus who was at a bus stop just before a traffic light I overtook it and was on the other side of the road the traffic light went amber and then red I was on the other side of the road and tried to stop but was over the line so carried on because I thought it was dangerous am I okay?

Reply

Ah! When I find myself accelerating through one, it's like a split-second calculation of whether it's safer to stop or proceed. It's all about gauging the distance, speed, and the road conditions. Safety first, but there's always that little rush when you make it through just in time!

Reply

13/3/2023 03:37:16 am

Nice advice that car owners should follow through. Thanks for it.

Reply

6/5/2023 10:48:17 am

Thanks for sharing informative article.

Reply

6/10/2023 07:09:24 am

This blog provides a crucial reminder about the importance of adhering to traffic light signals, particularly when it comes to amber lights. It's a topic that all drivers, experienced or novice, should pay close attention to.

Hospital security is vital for ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors within healthcare facilities. It encompasses measures such as access control, surveillance systems, and trained personnel to maintain a secure and protected environment.

I couldn't agree more with the emphasis on stopping at an amber or red light. It's not just a legal requirement, but also a matter of safety for everyone on the road. The clear explanation of the law and the obligation for drivers to stop unless it's unsafe to do so is an essential reminder.

Reply

It's important to consider road safety and the potential risks involved. Always prioritizing safety ensures responsible driving behavior for everyone on the road.

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29/12/2023 08:40:34 am

This blog provides a clear and important reminder about the strict traffic light rules, emphasizing the legal obligation to stop at amber or red lights in the UK. The advice on the mathematical method for determining the point of no return and the overall precautions when approaching traffic lights is practical and informative. The mention of the potential consequences, including fines and penalties, serves as a strong deterrent for reckless driving.

Reply

18/1/2024 02:08:54 pm

Interesting read! The blog effectively communicates the risks associated with running amber lights, emphasizing the dangers and legal consequences. The mention of an increasing number of red light cameras serves as a relevant caution for drivers.

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22/1/2024 10:50:42 am

It's interesting to learn about the mathematical method for determining the point of no return at traffic lights. The emphasis on safety, awareness, and the legal consequences provides valuable insights for drivers.

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30/1/2024 08:04:37 am

Understanding the risks associated with accelerating through amber lights is crucial. This blog effectively communicates the legal obligations and safety considerations for drivers, promoting responsible driving habits.

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This blog provides valuable insights into UK traffic laws regarding amber lights. Knowing when to stop, especially considering the mathematical point of no return, is vital information for drivers.

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5/2/2024 04:14:00 am

The advice on approaching traffic lights, being aware of surroundings, and adhering to speed limits is practical. Stopping safely behind the white line at an amber light is a responsible choice, avoiding potential penalties and promoting road safety.

Reply

5/2/2024 06:38:08 am

This blog provides valuable guidance on navigating traffic lights. The emphasis on safety, the consequences of running red or amber lights, and practical advice for approaching traffic lights make it an interesting and informative read.

Reply

Thanks for sharing your tips for a beginner driver like me.

Reply

    Tim Royal

    All of our blogs are constructed by a very experienced driver that wants to share his wealth of knowledge to assist you.

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