A long-running debate among drivers over the correct use of yellow box junctions has been settled by road officials, who have pointed to the exact wording of the Highway Code.
The discussion was sparked by a Reddit thread titled 'Yellow box junctions, it's not rocket science', in which one frustrated motorist complained about other drivers failing to proceed into the box when turning right.
The driver wrote: "Near me, it’s a daily occurrence to get stuck by someone turning right at a box junction controlled by lights. The amount of people who stay sitting outside the box to turn right and then go when the lights change to amber is pathetic. You end up having 1 or maybe 2 cars pass when in reality, it should be 3 to 4 if people just proceeded to the box junction. You can legally stop on a yellow box junction when turning right if your path is blocked by oncoming traffic. I assume it’s a secret because everyone I seem to end up stuck behind doesn’t realise this."
Conflicting views from other drivers
Another user disagreed with the original post, writing: "Well. That's interesting. You think it's simple but you've actually got it wrong. You can legally stop in a box junction when turning right if your path is blocked by oncoming traffic AND your exit is clear. If your exit is blocked you cannot enter."
A third commenter raised concerns about enforcement, saying: "Most of the country have cameras and a 'computer says no' attitude these days. Not risking driving correctly and spending months defending myself for it!"
Another added: "You can stop on a yellow box junction for any reason you like, except due to the presence of a stationary vehicle that was there before you entered it."
What the Highway Code says
Rule 174 of the Highway Code states: "You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear."
It adds an exception: "You may enter the box and wait when you want to turn right, and are only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right. At signalled roundabouts you must enter the box unless you can cross over it completely without stopping."
Fines and enforcement across the UK
Fines for entering or stopping in a yellow box junction can vary across the UK, with some areas charging £130 and other councils charging £70. Drivers can appeal against a fine if they believe they have been wrongfully charged.
In Scotland, enforcement is handled by Police Scotland rather than local councils, resulting in a very low number of fines compared to other parts of the UK. Scottish drivers are nonetheless warned to remain vigilant and follow the Highway Code at all times.
