Traffic lights and twin red lights Obeying traffic lights

Part 6 Division 1

Rule 56

Part 6 Traffic lights and twin red lights

Note 1 Traffic arrows and traffic lights are defined in the dictionary. Traffic arrows are a traffic control device installed with traffic lights that are designed to show a traffic arrow, or 2 or more traffic arrows at different times see the definition in the dictionary. Note 2 A reference in a rule of this Part to a green, yellow or red traffic light or traffic arrow is a reference to a steady green, yellow or red traffic light or traffic arrow, unless otherwise stated in the rule see rule 323. Note 3 The rules dealing with T lights and B lights, which apply to drivers of trams and public buses, are in Part 17.

56

Stopping for a red traffic light or arrow (1) A driver approaching or at traffic lights showing a red traffic light must stop: (a) if there is a stop line at or near the traffic lights as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line; or (b) if there is a stop here on red signal sign at or near the traffic lights, but no stop line as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the sign; or (c) if there is no stop line or stop here on red signal sign at or near the traffic lights as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the nearest or only traffic lights. Offence provision.
Note Red traffic light and stop line are defined in the dictionary.

Australian Road Rules

67

Part 6 Division 1

Traffic lights and twin red lights Obeying traffic lights

Rule 56

Example for subrule (1) (b)

In this example, the driver may go straight ahead, or turn right or left, if there is a green traffic light showing at 1. However, the driver must not go beyond the stop line or stop here on red signal sign at 2, if there is a red traffic light showing on the road the driver is entering (see 3).

(2) A driver approaching or at traffic arrows showing a red traffic arrow who is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow must stop: (a) if there is a stop line at or near the traffic arrows as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line; or (b) if there is a stop here on red arrow sign at or near the traffic arrows, but no stop line as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the sign; or (c) if there is no stop line or stop here on red arrow sign at or near the traffic arrows as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the nearest or only traffic arrows. Offence provision.
Note 1 Red traffic arrow is defined in the dictionary. Note 2 This rule only applies to a driver turning left using a slip lane if the red traffic light or red traffic arrow applies to the slip lane see Part 20, Divisions 2 and 3, especially rules 330 and 345.

68

Australian Road Rules

Traffic lights and twin red lights Obeying traffic lights

Part 6 Division 1

Rule 57

Note 3 Rule 58 deals with when a driver does not have to stop for a red traffic light. Note 4 The driver of a tram or a public bus does not have to stop at traffic lights showing a red traffic light if a white T light (for trams) or a white B light (for public buses) is also showing, or a white traffic arrow is showing and the driver is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow see rules 278 and 285.
Stop here on red signal sign Stop here on red arrow sign

Note for diagrams There is another permitted version of the stop here on red signal sign see the diagram in Schedule 3.

57

Stopping for a yellow traffic light or arrow (1) This rule applies to: (a) a driver approaching or at traffic lights showing a yellow traffic light; or (b) a driver approaching or at traffic arrows showing a yellow traffic arrow who is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow.
Note Yellow traffic arrow and yellow traffic light are defined in the dictionary.

(2) The driver must stop: (a) if there is a stop line at or near the traffic lights or arrows and the driver can stop safely before reaching the stop line as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line; or (b) if there is no stop line at or near the traffic lights or arrows and the driver can stop safely before reaching the traffic lights or arrows as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the nearest or only traffic lights or arrows; or

Australian Road Rules

69

Part 6 Division 1

Traffic lights and twin red lights Obeying traffic lights

Rule 58

(c) if the traffic lights or arrows are at an intersection and the driver cannot stop safely in accordance with paragraph (a) or (b), but can stop safely before entering the intersection before entering the intersection. Offence provision.
Note Enter, intersection and stop line are defined in the dictionary.

(3) If the traffic lights or arrows are at an intersection and the driver is not able to stop safely under subrule (2) and enters the intersection, the driver must leave the intersection as soon as the driver can do so safely. Offence provision.
Note 1 Intersection does not include a road-related area see the definition in the dictionary. Note 2 This rule only applies to a driver turning left using a slip lane if the yellow traffic light or yellow traffic arrow applies to the slip lane see Part 20, Divisions 2 and 3, especially rules 330 and 345. Note 3 Rule 58 deals with when a driver does not have to stop at a yellow traffic light.

58

Exceptions to stopping for a red or yellow traffic light (1) A driver approaching or at traffic lights showing a red or yellow traffic light does not have to stop if a green traffic arrow is also showing and the driver is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow.
Note Green traffic arrow, red traffic light and yellow traffic light are defined in the dictionary.

(2) A driver turning at an intersection with traffic lights who approaches or is at a red traffic light on the road that the driver is entering does not have to stop for that traffic light if there is no stop line or stop here on red signal sign at or near the traffic light.
Note Intersection and stop line are defined in the dictionary.

70

Australian Road Rules

Traffic lights and twin red lights Obeying traffic lights

Part 6 Division 1

Rule 60

59

Proceeding through a red traffic light (1) If traffic lights at an intersection are showing a red traffic light, a driver must not enter the intersection. Offence provision.
Note 1 Enter, intersection and red traffic light are defined in the dictionary. Note 2 Rules 56 and 57 deal with stopping for a red or yellow traffic light. Rule 60 deals with proceeding through a red traffic arrow.

(2) However, if the traffic lights are at an intersection with a left turn on red after stopping sign and the driver is turning left at the intersection, the driver may turn left after stopping.
Note Rule 62 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver turning left at an intersection after stopping at a left turn on red after stopping sign.

(3) Also, subrule (1) does not apply to a driver if subrule 58 (1) applies to the driver.
Note Rule 58 deals with when a driver does not have to stop for a red traffic light.
Left turn on red after stopping sign

60

Proceeding through a red traffic arrow If traffic arrows at an intersection are showing a red traffic arrow, and a driver is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow, the driver must not enter the intersection. Offence provision.
Note 1 Enter, intersection and red traffic arrow are defined in the dictionary.

Australian Road Rules

71

Part 6 Division 1

Traffic lights and twin red lights Obeying traffic lights

Rule 61

Note 2 Rules 56 and 57 deal with stopping for a red or yellow traffic arrow.

61

Proceeding when traffic lights or arrows at an intersection change to yellow or red (1) This rule applies to: (a) a driver at an intersection with traffic lights showing a green traffic light who has stopped after the stop line, stop here on red signal sign, or nearest or only traffic lights, at the intersection and is not making a hook turn at the intersection; or (b) a driver at an intersection with traffic arrows showing a green traffic arrow who is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow and has stopped after the stop line, stop here on red arrow sign, or nearest or only traffic arrows, at the intersection.
Example A driver may stop after the stop line at an intersection with traffic lights showing a green traffic light, and not proceed through the intersection, because traffic is congested. Note 1 Green traffic arrow, green traffic light, intersection and stop line are defined in the dictionary. Note 2 Hook turns are dealt with in rules 34 and 35.

(2) If the traffic lights or arrows change to yellow or red while the driver is stopped and the driver has not entered the intersection, the driver must not enter the intersection. Offence provision
Note Enter is defined in the dictionary.

(3) However, if the traffic lights are at an intersection with a left turn on red after stopping sign and the driver is turning left at the intersection, the driver may turn left after stopping.
Note Rule 62 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver turning left at an intersection after stopping at a left turn on red after stopping sign.

(4) Also, subrule (2) does not apply to a driver if subrule 58 (1) applies to the driver.

72

Australian Road Rules

Traffic lights and twin red lights Giving way at traffic lights

Part 6 Division 2

Rule 61

Note Rule 58 deals with when a driver does not have to stop for a red traffic light.

(5) If the traffic lights or arrows change to yellow or red while the driver is stopped and the driver has entered the intersection, the driver must leave the intersection as soon as the driver can do so safely. Offence provision.
Note Intersection does not include a road-related area see the definition in the dictionary.

Australian Road Rules

73

Part 6 Division 2

Traffic lights and twin red lights Giving way at traffic lights

Rule 62

Division 2
62

Giving way at traffic lights

Note Traffic lights are defined in the dictionary.

Giving way when turning at an intersection with traffic lights A driver turning at an intersection with traffic lights must give way to: (a) any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is on the road the driver is entering; and (b) if the driver is turning left at a left turn on red after stopping sign at the intersection: (i) any vehicle approaching from the right, turning right at the intersection into the road the driver is entering or making a Uturn; and (ii) any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is on the road the driver is leaving; and (c) if the driver is turning right any oncoming vehicle that is going straight ahead or turning left at the intersection (except a vehicle turning left using a slip lane). Offence provision.
Note 1 Intersection, oncoming vehicle, slip lane, straight ahead and Uturn are defined in the dictionary. Note 2 For this rule, give way means the driver must remain stationary until it is safe to proceed see the definition in the dictionary. Note 3 Rule 322 (3) and (4) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign at an intersection. Note 4 A driver turning left at a left turn on red after stopping sign, at an intersection with traffic lights showing a red traffic light, must stop in accordance with rule 56 (1) before making the turn.

74

Australian Road Rules

Traffic lights and twin red lights Giving way at traffic lights

Part 6 Division 2

Rule 62

Examples
Example 1 Giving way to a pedestrian on the road the driver is entering Example 2 Driver turning right giving way to an oncoming vehicle going straight ahead

Example 3 Driver turning right does not have to give way to an oncoming vehicle that is turning left into the road the driver is entering using a slip lane

In example 1, the vehicle must give way to the pedestrian. In examples 2 and 3, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

Australian Road Rules

75

Part 6 Division 2

Traffic lights and twin red lights Giving way at traffic lights

Rule 63

63

Giving way at an intersection with traffic lights not operating or only partly operating (1) This rule applies to a driver at an intersection if traffic lights at the intersection are not operating, or the traffic lights are showing only a flashing yellow traffic light.
Note Intersection and yellow traffic light are defined in the dictionary.

(2) If there is a traffic light-stop sign at the intersection, the driver must comply with rule 67 as if the sign were a stop sign at an intersection without traffic lights. Offence provision.
Note 1 Rule 322 (3) and (4) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign at an intersection. Note 2 Rule 67 deals with stopping and giving way at a stop sign or stop line at an intersection without traffic lights. Note 3 There is no requirement under Division 1 of this Part for a driver to stop for a flashing yellow traffic light or traffic lights that are not operating.

(3) If there is no traffic light-stop sign at the intersection, the driver must give way to vehicles and pedestrians at or near the intersection in accordance with rule 72 or 73 as if the intersection were an intersection without traffic lights, or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line. Offence provision.
Note 1 Give way line and stop line are defined in the dictionary. Note 2 Rules 72 and 73 deal with giving way at an intersection (except a roundabout) without traffic lights, or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applying to the driver.
Traffic light-stop sign

76

Australian Road Rules

Traffic lights and twin red lights Giving way at traffic lights

Part 6 Division 2

Rule 65

64

Giving way at a flashing yellow traffic arrow at an intersection A driver turning in the direction indicated by a flashing yellow traffic arrow at an intersection with traffic lights must give way to: (a) any vehicle travelling on the road the driver is entering; and (b) any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is on the road the driver is entering; and (c) if the driver is turning right any oncoming vehicle that is going straight ahead or turning left at the intersection (except a vehicle turning left using a slip lane). Offence provision.
Note 1 Intersection, oncoming vehicle, slip lane, straight ahead and yellow traffic arrow are defined in the dictionary. Note 2 For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision see the definition in the dictionary. Note 3 There is no requirement under Division 1 of this Part for a driver to stop for a flashing yellow traffic arrow.

65

Giving way at a marked foot crossing (except at an intersection) with a flashing yellow traffic light (1) This rule applies to a driver approaching or at a marked foot crossing (except at or near an intersection) with a flashing yellow traffic light at the crossing.
Note Intersection, marked foot crossing and yellow traffic light are defined in the dictionary.

(2) The driver must: (a) give way to any pedestrian on the crossing; and (b) not obstruct any pedestrian on the crossing; and

Australian Road Rules

77

Part 6 Division 3

Traffic lights and twin red lights Twin red lights (except at level crossings)

Rule 65

(c) not overtake or pass a vehicle that is travelling in the same direction as the driver and is stopping, or has stopped, to give way at the crossing. Offence provision.
Note 1 Overtake is defined in the dictionary. Note 2 For subrule (2), give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision see the definition in the dictionary.

(3) If there is no pedestrian on the crossing, and no other vehicle travelling in the same direction as the driver that is stopping, or has stopped, to give way at the crossing, the driver may proceed through the crossing.

78

Australian Road Rules

Traffic lights and twin red lights Twin red lights (except at level crossings)

Part 6 Division 3

Rule 66

Division 3
66

Twin red lights (except at level crossings)

Stopping for twin red lights (except at level crossings) (1) A driver approaching or at twin red lights on a road (except at a level crossing) must stop in accordance with subrules (2) and (3). Offence provision.
Note 1 Level crossing is defined in rule 120, and twin red lights is defined in the dictionary. Note 2 Rule 322 (1) and (2) deal with the meaning of a traffic control device on a road. Note 3 Twin red lights are generally erected at bridges, ambulance stations, fire stations or level crossings. The rules about stopping at level crossings are in Part 10.

(2) If there is a stop line at or near the lights and the driver can stop safely before reaching the stop line, the driver must stop as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line.
Note Stop line is defined in the dictionary.

(3) If there is no stop line at or near the lights and the driver can stop safely before reaching the lights, the driver must stop as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the lights. (4) If the driver stops for the lights, the driver must not proceed until the lights are not showing. Offence provision.

Australian Road Rules

79