Amber traffic lights: when should you stop or proceed?

A steady amber light warns that you must stop. Stop before the line unless you are so close that you cannot do so safely.

Steady amber: warning to stop

When a steady amber light comes on, drivers must stop before the stop line or the point indicated if they can do so safely. The Italian Highway Code provides an exception when the vehicle is so close as the light comes on that stopping would be dangerous. This exception is not an invitation to accelerate: trying to “beat the red” increases the risk and may leave you in the junction when it is not clear.

Consider your distance, speed, grip and the vehicles behind you. If you are already very close, avoid harsh braking that could cause a collision from behind; if there is enough room, stop smoothly. Once stopped, wait for green and keep the crossing clear. If there is no visible line, stop before the junction without entering a pedestrian crossing or cross-traffic lane.

• A steady amber light warns you to stop.
• Stop if you can do so safely.
• Do not accelerate to try to cross before the light turns red.

Do not confuse steady and flashing amber

A flashing amber light has a different meaning: proceed cautiously at a moderate speed, giving way as required. If the traffic light is out or shows an unusual signal, the Italian Highway Code requires caution and a very low speed. Before crossing, check signs, priority and the movements of pedestrians and other vehicles. At a signal with arrows, the light applies to the direction shown.

The pedestrian amber light has its own rules: it tells pedestrians already on the crossing to finish crossing and tells others not to start. Watch the signal intended for you and do not infer that you may proceed from a signal for another lane or category of road user.

Defensive driving

If the light turns amber while you are already in the junction, clear it without stopping in the middle or accelerating more than necessary. Watch for pedestrians finishing their crossing and vehicles that may start when their light turns green. In a queue, do not enter the junction unless you can clear it. These situations call for anticipating the signal and keeping to a speed that allows controlled braking.

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