Question on sample theory test 239

Christian McArdle Red means you MUST stop. No it doesn't. Amber also means you MUST stop, but only if it safe to do so. No it doesn't. SI 2002-3113: The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 36. - (1) The significance of the light signals prescribed by regulations 33, 34 and 35 shall be as follows - (a) subject to sub-paragraph (b) and, where the red signal is shown at the same time as the green arrow signal, to sub-paragraphs (f) and (g), the red signal shall convey the prohibition that vehicular traffic shall not proceed beyond the stop line; (e) the amber signal shall, when shown alone, convey the same prohibition as the red signal, except that, as respects any vehicle which is so close to the stop line that it cannot safely be stopped without proceeding beyond the stop line, it shall convey the same indication as the green signal or green arrow signal which was shown immediately before it; Now, in non legalese, this means approximately: (a) The red signal means stop unless you are an emergency service or have a green arrow. (b) The yellow signal means the same as red unless it is not safe to stop. Would you like to flesh out your response?

Certainly. If we followed the instructions in the HC, then on seeing a red or amber traffic light we would have to stop, which would be a bit daft and potentially hazardous if it happened to be 100 metres away. Then I guess people would say 'Well yes but it doesn't mean that.......it means if the car is near the stop line' (okay how near, and if it applies where exactly do you stop?).

If a red light *did* mean stop, it could only ever apply to the lead vehicle in a line of traffic anyway, since the rest would have to stop due to him stopping, not the red light. It would also mean you couldn't plan your approach speed so as to let the sequence change to green, allowing you to pbutt through without stopping at all.

The cite you have provided shows exactly the true meaning of traffic lights.

-- Rob