A lawyer has clarified the rules on cyclists going through red lights, outlining what they can and cannot do. With the nights drawing in, it may be a good time to revisit cycling rules, especially for those riding in early autumn mornings or evenings who need lights and reflectors.
Another potential source of confusion for motorists is the rules regarding cyclists and red lights. It may seem obvious that all road-users need to obey them, but cyclists have been known to breach this rule.
In July 2025, a survey of London cyclists found that more than half admitted they regularly jumped red lights.
Highway Code rule 69
Barrister Daniel J. ShenSmith addressed this very question in a 2021 video for his BlackBeltBarrister channel on YouTube. As he sets out, the law is clear when it comes to contravening red lights.
He said: "As many people have asked me before, cyclists must also obey traffic light signals, and this is in rule 69: You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals. And this is in the Road Traffic Act of 1988, section 36."
The wording has not changed since Daniel made the video, but it does point to additional laws: The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (TSRGD), schedule 3 part 3; schedule 7 part 4; schedule 9 parts 4 and 6; schedule 13 part 6; and schedule 14 part 2.
Rule 71 goes further
"And if that wasn't clear enough, rule 71 goes further: You MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red. Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to wait and position yourself ahead of other traffic."
Similarly, the Highway Code has changed very little for this rule, continuing to emphasise the words "MUST NOT" when passing a red light. It does, however, expand the rule to include "traffic light junctions and at cycle-only crossings with traffic lights".
Updates to the rule
It reads: "At traffic light junctions and at cycle-only crossings with traffic lights, you MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red."
"Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to position yourself ahead of other traffic and wait (see Rule 178). When the traffic lights are red, you may cross the first stop line, but you MUST NOT cross the final stop line."
The law that covers this rule is the Road Traffic Act of 1988, section 36, as well as the TSRGD Schedule 14, part 1.
Where cyclists must stop
He continued: "Most of you should be familiar with that small section right in front of the traffic lights that often has a cycle printed on it. This is where cyclists must stop, and it would be an offence if they fail to do so."
Daniel explained that cyclists cannot arrive at a red light and "ease" their way through for the purposes of ease or speed, adding that, as a "responsible" cyclist, you must "absolutely stop at traffic lights".
Riding on a pavement
He turned his attention to those who may be tempted to continue on a pavement. "And on numerous occasions, I've seen cyclists get to a red light and then instead ride onto the pavement and go round the corner and carry on their journey, this is also not permitted."
Rule 64 states that you "MUST NOT cycle on a pavement" (Highway Act 1835 sect 72 & R(S)A sect 129). Daniel points out, however, that cyclists may dismount and walk their bikes.
Rule 77 states: "When crossing faster or busy main roads, you may find it safer and easier to dismount and push your cycle across."
