Accelerating through an amber light

This blog continues our series on habits picked up after passing your driving test. Should you accelerate through an amber ​light? The short answer is NO! You must STOP if you see a amber or red light at a traffic light, the only exception is if the driver is too close to the lights to stop safely. 

UK law
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The law is very strict when it comes to crossing an amber ​or red light. The law states that it is the drivers' obligation to stop at a set of traffic lights unless the light is green. The driver must continue to travel only when they have already crossed the white line or that coming to a stop is likely to cause an accident.

When should I stop?

There is a complicated mathematical method of working out the point of no return in regards to being too close to the traffic lights, however, in time you should be able to decide whether it is safe to go or not.

What to do when approaching any traffic lights

1. Be aware of your surroundings
2. Do not exceed the speed limit
3. Check who is behind you
4. Check your blind spot. Especially if you are turning
   
   

If you do stop, ensure that there isn't someone too close behind you as this will cause an incident. Be aware that not stopping at an amber light is still a punishable offence, although usually penalties are not given, but driving through a red light is given a punishment is given every time. Throughout the last few years, there has been a rise in the number of red light cameras, which means there is an increasingly large risk of being caught.

How long will the amber light stay on for?

As a general rule of thumb, the amber light on any traffic light usually stays on 1 second longer per 10 miles an hour increase in speed.

Running a red or amber light

Going through a red light is very dangerous but travelling through an amber light can be as bad. On fast moving roads the amber light usually turns red just as the other set of traffic light turns green. This means if someone accelerates through an amber light, it is quite possible for the light to turn red and then face oncoming traffic.

I’m invincible

You have an incredibly fast car, you think you will be able to be quick enough to escape any traffic that may be joining your road. Is it worth getting a ticket? In the UK the fine is usually 3 point penalty places on the drivers licence and £100. Although if there is an incident or you fight the amber/red light conviction in court, it may be possible for a greater fine to be established and given to you.

What to do when a light turns amber 

The best idea if you see a green light turning amber ​is to check your mirrors and safely come to a stop behind the white line.

Check our other blogs on driving habits

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Accelerating through an amber light

11/12/2015 17/09/2017 Accelerating through an amber light… Should you accelerate through an amber light? The short answer is NO! You must STOP if you see a amber or red light at a traffic light, the only exception is if the driver is too close to the lights to stop safely.

Author: Royal Som

Royal

Should you accelerate through an amber light? The short answer is NO! You must STOP if you see a amber or red light at a traffic light, the only exception is if the driver is too close to the lights to stop safely. - UK Law - When should I stop? - What to do when approaching any traffic lights - How long will the amber light stay on for? - Running a red of amber light - I’m Invincible - What to do when a light turns amber

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