Motorists stuck at traffic lights that refuse to change colour face a dilemma: wait indefinitely or risk driving through. The Highway Code is clear that crossing a red light is an offence, but practical advice suggests common sense may be needed.
Highway Code Rule 176
Rule 176 states: "You MUST NOT move forward over the white line when the red light is showing." It adds that drivers should only go forward on green if there is room to clear the junction safely or when taking up a position to turn right.
Steve Walker, head of digital content at Auto Express, said: "By the letter of the law, you can't drive through a red light under any circumstances. If a traffic light is stuck on red, it's the responsibility of the authorities to fix it and/or get a police officer to direct traffic."
Legal Offence Under Section 36
Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 requires road users to obey traffic signs. Any driver who "Fails to comply with the indication given by the sign is guilty of an offence".
Mr Walker acknowledged that waiting may not be practical if a light is genuinely stuck. He said: "In practice, motorists faced with a stuck red light could be waiting for days if they stick to these rules and a little common sense will probably need to be applied."
Proceed With Great Care
If a driver decides to go through, Mr Walker advised caution. He said: "This is obviously going to be easier to do in some situations than others. If you can see far enough to be sure that there's nothing coming in the other direction, it should be possible to negotiate a traffic light that's stuck on red safely."
He added: "You do need to make absolutely sure that it is stuck on red. You are taking a risk - both in the eyes of the law and, potentially, your insurance company if an accident takes place. In lots of situations, it may be better to turn around and find another route."
Rule 176 also says: "If the traffic lights are not working, treat the situation as you would an unmarked junction and proceed with great care." This applies when the lights are out entirely, not when they are stuck on red.
