Advanced Stop Lines

16th January 2014

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Still not sure what we are talking about ? Have you ever approached a set of traffic lights and seen box at the front of the lights and thought aaaghhhh I mustn’t stop in there its just for cyclists ! Well you may be correct, or you may be wrong. And thats exactly why I thought I would write this short blog so as to remove confusion and enlighten you on the actual law behind them.

MYTH - It is illegal for a motor vehicle to stop in the cycle box. The technical name for the box is “ADVANCED STOP LINE” The law actually states that you must not cross the first line you approach AFTER THE LIGHTS HAVE GONE RED. However if the lights were to change as you approach, and it is safe to stop at the second line whilst the light is amber then this is perfectly acceptable.

FACT Crossing that first line after the light has gone red (stopping at the second line) is classed as jumping a red light and leaves you open to a £100 fine.

Rule 178 of the Highway Code states:

If your vehicle has proceeded over the first white line at the time that the signal goes red, you MUST stop at the second white line, even if your vehicle is in the marked area.

In closing it is also illegal for a cyclist to proceed over the second stop line once the lights have changed to red.

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