THE OFFICIAL HIGHWAY CODE

Light signals controlling traffic

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 

traffic light red

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

traffic light red amber

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

traffic light green

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

traffic light amber

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

traffic light green arrow

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

flashing red lights

Alternately flashing red lights mean YOU MUST STOP

At level crossings, lifting bridges, airfields, fire stations, etc.

Motorway signals

motorway signal red cross

You MUST NOT proceed further in this lane

motorway signal change lane

Change lane

motorway signal fog

Reduced visibility ahead

motorway signal lane ahead closed

Lane ahead closed

motorway signal temporary speed limit message

Temporary maximum speed advised and information message

motorway signal leave motorway

Leave motorway at next exit

motorway signal temporary speed

Temporary maximum speed advised

motorway signal end restriction

End of restriction

Lane control signals

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