Rule 174: Box junctions
Box junctions. These have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road (see ‘Road markings’). You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. However, 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 NOT enter the box unless you can cross over it completely without stopping.
Junctions controlled by traffic lightsWhy the capitals matter. The Highway Code writes a rule in capitals — MUST or MUST NOT — when it is backed by law, so breaking it is a criminal offence. The rules that do not use capitals are advice.
5 theory test questions on this rule
From the DVSA revision question bank. These are not the questions asked in the real theory test. Each one shows the answer, the explanation, and our own note on why every other option is not it.
Car
- You're at a junction controlled by traffic lights. When should you wait at a green light? Road and traffic signs
- You want to turn right at a box junction. What should you do if there's oncoming traffic? Rules of the road
- You're following a large vehicle as it approaches a crossroads. What should you do if the driver signals to turn left? Other types of vehicle
- You see a horse rider as you approach a roundabout. What should you do if they're signalling right but keeping well to the left? Vulnerable road users