Failed and flashing traffic signals

Recognising a signal problem

A failed signal-controlled junction may have dark lamps, conflicting indications, or a temporary “traffic signals out of order” warning. A light that is temporarily red is not a failure: observe the whole situation rather than assuming the lamps should have changed.

Reduce speed as soon as you see that normal control may be unavailable. Look for an officer, temporary signs and the stop line. Keep enough space from the vehicle ahead to make your own stop and see the other approaches.

Treat out-of-order junction lights as a four-way stop unless a traffic officer directs otherwise. Do not follow another vehicle through just because its driver has chosen not to stop.

Key idea: Approach a suspected failed junction ready to stop and assess the controls.

Stopping and establishing an order

Bring the vehicle completely to a standstill before the stop line. Observe which vehicles at the other approaches stopped before you. Those vehicles normally proceed before you, provided their movements can be completed safely.

Wait for the earlier vehicles to clear and check pedestrians, cyclists and traffic from every relevant direction. Move only when there is a safe opportunity. If drivers disagree about arrival order, remain stopped rather than forcing a conflict.

Power failures can affect several junctions along the same route. Repeat the procedure at each one. A driver on the cross-road may not have seen the failure, especially at night; expected priority is not evidence that the driver will yield.

Key idea: Make your own complete stop and check that other drivers are actually yielding.

Flashing red at a junction or railway

At a junction, a flashing red vehicle signal means stop and proceed only when safe, as at a stop sign. The stopping requirement is real even if the road is quiet. A flashing amber disc instead requires caution and yielding to pedestrians; it is not an all-clear signal.

At a railway crossing the meaning changes: flashing red warns of an approaching train. You may not cross after simply stopping and looking. Wait until the red warning stops, the barrier is raised where fitted, and all controls and conditions permit safe passage. Check for another train and a clear exit.

The location is part of interpreting the signal. Never transfer a junction rule to railway warning equipment.

Key idea: A flashing red railway warning requires waiting until the warning has ended.

When an officer directs traffic

A traffic officer’s directions take precedence over conflicting lights and signs. Officers may organise traffic during failures, collisions or congestion. Watch the officer rather than inferring permission from the cars moving beside you.

Stop when directed, even if your lamp is green. Proceed only when the direction is addressed to your approach and the movement can be made safely. Maintain a speed that allows you to respond to another direction.

If you cannot confidently understand the direction, remain safe and seek clarification rather than guessing. Being waved forward does not justify driving into a pedestrian or a blocked space.

Key idea: Follow the officer’s direction while continuing to observe the road.

Quick recap

• Failed junction: stop and use the four-way-stop procedure unless directed otherwise.
• Do not assume another driver will stop.
• Railway flashing red: wait until the warning ends.