The RAC has clarified the legal position for drivers who encounter temporary traffic lights stuck on red, confirming that crossing them can lead to a fine and penalty points.
The motoring organisation responded after motorists shared their experiences of waiting for long periods at faulty temporary lights, with some questioning whether it is ever acceptable to proceed through a red light when it appears to be malfunctioning.
What the Highway Code says
Highway Code Rule 176 states: "You MUST NOT move forward over the white line when the red light is showing. Only go forward when the traffic lights are green if there is room for you to clear the junction safely or you are taking up a position to turn right. If the traffic lights are not working, treat the situation as you would an unmarked junction and proceed with great care."
One motorist described waiting at a red light for over 15 minutes with a queue building behind them, eventually deciding to go through when they judged the other directions would also be red. Another reported a similar situation at a supermarket car park exit, where a queue formed before someone went through the red light when it was safe to do so.
Penalties for jumping a red light
The RAC said: "If you are caught crossing the stop line after the lights have turned red, the usual penalty is a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence. This can be more if your case is referred to the court system."
Regarding potential defences, it stated: "As a 'strict liability' offence, you won't get away with simply insisting you 'didn't intend' to run the light, if photographic evidence proves you did."
The only circumstances which may offer a defence include proving you did not go through the red light, or proving there was a defect with the light or related signage. Special reasons may also be considered by a court and lead to a re-assessment of the punishment.
The standard punishment for jumping a red light is a £100 fine and three points added to your driving licence, with those points remaining on your record for four years.
