Rule 176: Red lights and blocking a junction
You MUST NOT move forward over the white line when the red light is showing. Only go forward when the traffic lights are green if there is room for you to clear the junction safely or you are taking up a position to turn right. If the traffic lights are not working, treat the situation as you would an unmarked junction and proceed with great care.
Why 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
Lorry & Bus (LGV/PCV)
- What danger should you be most aware of if you're driving close to the kerb in a busy shopping area? The driver
- You're approaching a red light at a puffin crossing. Pedestrians are on the crossing. How long will the red light stay on? Road and traffic signs
- You're loading goods of varying weights. How should they be distributed over the width of the vehicle? Vehicle loading