Advanced stop line: what it means
An advanced stop line gives cyclists space ahead of other traffic. Drivers must stop at the first line when the lights are amber or red.
What does the advanced stop line mean?
An advanced stop line gives cyclists room to wait ahead of other traffic at some traffic lights. Rule 178 says drivers, including motorcyclists, must stop at the first white line when the lights are amber or red. Avoid blocking the marked area at other times too.
Know your traffic signs says to give cyclists time and space to move off when the lights turn green. There may be no cycle lane leading to the box.
Quick quiz
What does the picture at the top of this page show?
- A box at traffic lights where cyclists wait.
- Do not go in unless your exit is clear.
- A parking place.
Show answer
A. A box at traffic lights where cyclists wait. The marked area lets cyclists wait ahead of other traffic, which must stop at the first line on amber or red (The Highway Code, rule 178). Source: Know your traffic signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 178, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
At some junctions controlled by traffic lights. A cycle lane may lead into the waiting area, but one is not always provided.
What should you do?
Stop at the first white line when the lights are amber or red, and avoid blocking the box at other times. Give cyclists enough time and space to move off on green.
What do people get wrong?
An empty cycle box is not extra waiting space for a car or motorcycle. Rule 178 requires motorists, including motorcyclists, to stop at the first line on amber or red.
Common questions
What if I have crossed the first line when the light turns red?
Rule 178 says to stop as soon as possible. You must stop at the second white line.
Can motorcycles wait in an advanced stop box?
Rule 178 includes motorcyclists in the requirement to stop at the first white line on amber or red. They should also avoid entering or blocking the marked area at other times.
Compare with
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 5 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (bus and cycle signs and road markings) and The Highway Code rule 178.
- Know your traffic signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 178, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The diagram is our own simplified drawing, not to scale. Sources and image credits.