A yellow light does not just simply permit drivers to intentionally drive through a yellow light. Traffic lights control the flow of vehicles and pedestrians to improve safety and access to roads. You should drive at a speed that gives you time to react if the traffic lights change. Many people may not be aware, but if you go through a yellow traffic light, you may receive an infringement notice as it is an offence. Yellow (amber) means stop. You can enter the intersection if you are so close that sudden braking might cause a crash. You may drive through a flashing yellow light or arrow with caution. You need to apply the give way rules to avoid colliding with other vehicles.
Are you legally allowed to drive through a Yellow Light?
How is the length of time that the amber light is on determined? the UKtiming is such that evertyone stops on the amber unless it changes as you are on the stop line. The length of time of the amber light stays on in Australia encourages drivers to travel through an amber light during the first few seconds regardless if they could stop or not, especially when they know the opposing red light will still be on for more time. Is there a sensible reason why the timing of the amber light is longer than in the UK?
Hi Robert,
Australia is the same however, not everyone abides by the road rules. Drivers are supposed to stop for a yellow/amber traffic light and not “speed up” to beat the green. Drivers can only go through a yellow/amber traffic light if they cannot stop safely before the ‘Stop’ line. A yellow/amber traffic light is usually visible between 4-6 seconds. This is simply to provide all traffic with a reasonable time to stop safely. Hope this answers your question.
Kind regards
Learn Drive Survive Team