you’re not alone. It’s a common UK theory-test style question because red+amber feels like a “get ready” moment — but the rule is still about stopping.To make the key phrase clear for readers and search engines:
what should you do when you’re approaching traffic lights that have red and amber showing together?
and
what should you do when you’re approaching traffic lights that have red and amber showing together?.Let’s explore what you should do in real driving conditions — whether you’re approaching, already waiting, or dealing with a pedestrian crossing.
What do red and amber lights together mean in the UK?
In the UK, red and amber together means STOP. You must not pass the stop line, and you must not start moving until green shows.
It may feel like a “get ready” prompt — and you can prepare — but you don’t go yet.
Here’s the traffic light meaning in one glance:
| Signal showing | What it means (UK) | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Stop | Wait behind the stop line |
| Red + amber | Still stop (green is next) | Stay stopped / stop at the line |
| Green | Proceed if the way ahead is clear | Move off when safe |
| Amber (after green) | Stop unless stopping would be unsafe | Stop if you can do so smoothly and safely |
If you’re approaching and you see red and amber together, what should you do?
Think of red+amber as a final readiness cue, not permission to go.
If you’re approaching the lights, keep it controlled and be ready to stop at the stop line.
If you’re still moving towards the lights
Ease off, cover the brake, and stop at the stop line. Red+amber doesn’t give you a “free pass” to creep over the line.
That tiny roll forward is exactly how people end up over the line before green.
If you’re already stopped at the line
You can prepare your move-off (select gear, find the bite point if you drive manual), but keep the car fully stationary.
You only move when green shows and the junction is actually clear.
When can you actually move off safely?
Even on green, it’s not “go instantly” — it’s “go when safe”. Here’s a simple move-off routine you can use every time.
- Check the junction/crossing is clear (late red-light runners, cyclists filtering, pedestrians stepping out).
- Move smoothly and keep scanning as you enter the junction.
- If turning, look for pedestrians crossing the road you’re turning into.
Quick scenario: you’re first in the queue. The lights switch to red+amber. You prepare, you look, but you don’t roll.
When green appears, you still pause long enough to confirm nobody is running the red from the side road — then you go.
Can you cross the stop line on red and amber?
No. Red+amber means stop, and the stop line still counts. Don’t let the car creep forward “just a bit”.
If you’ve already edged over the line by mistake, prioritise safety and avoid making it worse by pushing further into the junction.
Is red and amber the same as an amber light?
They’re different — and mixing them up is where many drivers get confused.
| Situation | What you’re seeing | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Red + amber together | Transition towards green | Still STOP |
| Amber alone (after green) | Transition towards red | Stop unless unsafe to do so |
| Flashing amber (pelican crossing only) | Pedestrian phase ending | Proceed only if the crossing is clear; otherwise give way |
What if stopping suddenly would be unsafe?
This applies to amber-only after green, not red+amber.
If amber appears and you’re so close that braking hard could cause a collision, continuing may be the safer option.
The best habit is approaching greens with the mindset that they can change — keep a safe following distance and don’t rush to “beat the lights”.
Common mistakes learners make at red and amber together
- Rolling over the stop line before green (often while “getting ready”).
- Launching the moment green appears without checking the junction is clear.
- Treating red+amber like amber-only and trying to squeeze through.
Here’s what you can do next: practise “still stopped until green” at every set of lights — it becomes automatic quickly.
FAQs people also ask
How long does red+amber last before green in the UK?
It’s typically a short transition phase designed to signal “green next.” Exact timings vary by junction, but the rule doesn’t change:
you still wait for green.
Can a camera catch you moving on red+amber?
If you cross the stop line before green, you’re moving when you shouldn’t. Enforcement varies by location, but the safest rule is simple:
don’t move until green.
Does red+amber apply at pedestrian crossings too?
Yes, at normal signals it means stop. The “special case” people confuse it with is flashing amber at pelican crossings.
Social signals and real-world sentiment (Reddit, Facebook, X)
In typical discussions, people often describe red+amber as “get ready,” but arguments start when someone treats it like “go.”
Learners frequently say they were caught out because the phase feels like permission to move; instructors and experienced drivers usually repeat the same point:
prepare, but don’t cross the line or move off until green.
Embedded examples (public posts/threads)
Conclusion: the simplest rule to remember
When you see red and amber together, treat it like red: stop (or stay stopped) behind the stop line,
prepare to move, then only move off on green when the junction is clear.
Author expertise note: This guide follows standard UK driving guidance and the way this situation is taught for UK theory and practical test readiness, with a focus on what you should do in real junction conditions (not just the “textbook” answer).
