Amber traffic light: what it means
Amber means stop at the stop line. Continue only if you have already crossed it or are so close that stopping might cause a collision.
What does the amber traffic light mean?
A steady amber light means stop at the stop line. Know your traffic signs gives two exceptions: you have already crossed the line, or you are too close to stop without risking an accident.
Rule 175 makes the same distinction. You may continue if stopping might cause a collision. Amber does not give general permission to carry on through the junction.
Quick quiz
What does the picture at the top of this page show?
- This lane is open to you.
- Amber means stop unless you cannot stop safely.
- The temporary restrictions end here.
Show answer
B. Amber means stop unless you cannot stop safely. Amber means stop unless you have already crossed the line or stopping might cause a collision (The Highway Code, rule 175). Source: Know your traffic signs: traffic signals, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 175, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 196, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
On traffic lights at signal-controlled junctions.
What should you do?
Stop behind the white stop line. Continue only if you have already crossed it or are so close that stopping might cause a collision.
What do people get wrong?
Do not treat amber as permission to carry on whenever you want. The exceptions depend on whether you have crossed the line or can stop safely.
Common questions
Can I drive through an amber traffic light?
Rule 175 allows this only if you have already crossed the stop line or are so close that stopping might cause a collision.
Is flashing amber the same as steady amber?
No. At a pelican crossing, rule 196 says flashing amber means you must give way to pedestrians on the crossing; if none are on it, you may proceed with caution.
Compare with
Traffic lightsRed, red and amber, green, amber: what each means.
When red light shows wait here signAt temporary lights, stop here on red.
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 (traffic signals) and The Highway Code rules 175 and 196.
- Know your traffic signs: traffic signals, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 175, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 196, 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.