Stage 1
Red
Stop and wait behind the stop line. You must not move beyond it.
RED = STOPHighway Code Explained
UK Traffic Light Sequence Explained
This UK traffic light sequence guide explains what red, red and amber, green and amber mean, why traffic lights use this order and how green filter arrows differ from a standard round green light.
✓ Major road junctions✓ Green filter arrows explained✓ Current Highway Code guidance
Interactive traffic signalSelect each stage
RED
Stop and wait behind the stop line.
The standard junction sequence
UK Traffic Light Sequence: What Every Stage Means
At a standard major junction, the signals move through four stages before returning to red. Red and amber appear together before green; amber appears on its own after green.
Stage 2
Red and amber
Still stop. Do not pass the line or start moving until green shows.
GET READY—BUT DO NOT GOStage 3
Green
You may proceed if the way is clear. Take care when turning and give way to pedestrians crossing.
GO ONLY IF IT IS SAFEStage 4
Amber
Stop at the line unless you have crossed it or are so close that stopping might cause a collision.
AMBER = STOP, WITH ONE SAFETY EXCEPTIONThe sequence to remember: Red → Red and amber → Green → Amber → Red. A red-and-amber signal comes before green. Amber on its own comes after green.
Read the direction of the sequence
Why Do Red and Amber Show Together?
The two amber displays tell you which way the signal is changing. That difference lets you understand the next stage at a glance.
Amber on its own
This comes after green. The lights are closing, so the next signal will be red. Stop unless you have already crossed the line or are too close to stop safely.
GREEN → AMBER → REDRed and amber together
This comes after red. The lights are preparing to open, so green will be next—but red still means you must wait behind the stop line.
RED → RED AND AMBER → GREENWhy not use amber on its own both times? If a single amber appeared before both red and green, you could not tell at a glance whether the lights were about to close or open. Keeping red illuminated alongside amber makes the direction of the sequence unmistakable: amber alone leads to red; red and amber lead to green.
Watch the theory-test question
Can You Read the Lights Before the Reveal?
Watch Matt’s quick TikTok question, choose your answer before the reveal, then use the explanation above to check whether you read the sequence correctly.
@drivingtheorytestcoach 🚦 Can you answer this theory test question? Comment your answer before the reveal 👇 🎯 Want to pass your theory test in 28 days? Comment PASS. #TrafficLightsUK #TheoryTestPractice #DrivingTheoryTest #UKTheoryTest #LearnerDriverUK ♬ original sound - Driving Theory Test Coach
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Different movements
need different turns
need different turns
Why the sequence exists
Why do major junctions need traffic lights?
A major junction contains several paths that would conflict if everyone moved at once. The signals divide time between those movements.
1
Separate conflicting trafficOne stream is stopped while another is allowed through the junction.
2
Create safer crossing opportunitiesPedestrians and cyclists can receive their own controlled stage.
3
Manage busy traffic flowsTimings can allocate more time to movements carrying greater demand.
4
Give drivers predictable instructionsEveryone facing a signal knows whether they must stop or may proceed.
The major learner sticking point
Round Green Light vs Green Filter Arrow
Both are green, but they do not give the same instruction. A round green applies generally to traffic facing it. A filter arrow permits a specific direction.
A round green in the main three-light signal head
Standard round green
You may proceed in any legally permitted direction if the way is clear—but other road users may still cross your intended path.
Turning right may require you to wait for oncoming traffic.
Turning left or right requires care for pedestrians crossing.
Green does not mean enter a blocked junction.
You must still observe lanes, signs and road markings.
Think: “I may go, but I must deal with any conflict.”
Example: main red with a separate green right filter arrow
Green filter arrow
You may proceed if the way is clear, but only in the direction shown by the arrow—even if the main signal is showing another colour.
The arrow may appear before or after the full green phase.
It releases one particular movement through the junction.
Ahead, left and right arrows each apply only to that direction.
Check that the way is clear before moving.
Think: “This specific direction has been released.”
Why the arrow is different: the round green is a general permission to proceed if safe. The arrow is a direction-specific permission and can illuminate while the main red light remains on for other movements.
Apply it at a junction
Three right-turn situations learners confuse
Full round green
You may move forward into the junction to turn right if your exit is clear, but oncoming traffic may also have green. Wait until it is safe to complete the turn.
The right-turn arrow does not have to show if a full round green is already displayed.
Green right arrow
You may proceed in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear. The arrow gives your right-turn movement its specific signal phase.
Check that opposing traffic has stopped and the junction is clear before proceeding.
Ahead arrow only
An ahead arrow permits straight-ahead movement only. If there is no full round green, you must wait for the right-turn arrow before turning right.
An arrow is not a general green light: its direction matters.
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Avoid the traps
Common traffic-light mistakes
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Moving on red and amber
Red and amber still means stop. Prepare the vehicle, but do not cross the line before green.
!
Accelerating to beat amber
Amber means stop unless you have crossed the line or stopping because you are too close could cause a collision.
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Treating green as an order to go
Green is permission, not a command. The way ahead and your exit must be clear.
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Waiting unnecessarily on full green
A learner turning right may enter and wait safely on a full green when the exit is clear; they need not wait behind the line solely for a filter arrow.
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Ignoring the arrow direction
A green arrow only authorises movement in the direction shown.
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Following traffic into a blocked junction
Your signal may be green, but you should not enter unless you can clear the junction safely.
Quick knowledge check
Do you understand the UK traffic light sequence?
1. What follows a red signal in the normal UK sequence?
Red and amber show together before the signal changes to green.
2. What does red and amber mean?
Red and amber still means stop. Do not pass the stop line or start until green shows.
3. A green right filter arrow shows while the main red is lit. What may you do?
You may proceed if the way is clear, but only in the direction shown by the green arrow.
4. You are turning right on a full round green. Must you wait for a green right arrow?
A full round green permits the right turn if legal and safe. You may need to wait for oncoming traffic before completing it.
Questions answered
UK traffic-light FAQs
Does amber mean speed up before the light turns red?
No. Amber means stop at the stop line. You may continue only if you have already crossed the line or are so close that stopping might cause a collision.
Can I move on red and amber?
No. Red and amber still means stop. You may prepare to move, but you must not proceed until green shows.
Can a green filter arrow show with a red light?
Yes. You may proceed if the way is clear, but only in the direction indicated by the green arrow, whatever other lights may be showing.
Does a green light mean I have priority over everybody?
No. Green means you may proceed if the way is clear. Turning drivers must take special care and give way to pedestrians crossing, and a right turn on a full green may still conflict with oncoming traffic.
Is flashing amber part of the normal junction sequence?
No. This guide covers the steady signals used at major junctions. Flashing amber has a separate meaning at certain pedestrian crossings and is explained in the pedestrian-crossings guide.
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Related Highway Code guides
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