Went through an amber light

Today when I was coming up to a roundabout the light just changed amber when I was about the reach it I was unsure of whether to stop or not but I went through it as I was worried the car behind would of got to close/ hit me or I would have already crossed the line.

I’m wondering if I should have stopped as I may of had enough time but there was a lot of traffic so I panicked and went. I am a new driver who passed a few months ago, I have quite bad driving anxiety so I am really worried about this as I really don’t want to get in trouble. I am trying to overcome my anxiety especially about making silly mistakes but this has really made me anxious!

Could anyone give any advice? :smile:

(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 1

Old Skool Freak

Hi,

From what you've written, it sounds like you were correct to continue.

The Highway Code dictates that you should stop at an amber light, unless it's safer for you to continue (although most motorists seem to disregard this completely, and treat it as a green light lol).

Police cameras at traffic lights aren't actually "active" until the lights have turned red, and you would have noticed a flash if it had gone off (especially in the evening / night). Still, if you were flashed, then you can expect to receive a letter within about 2 weeks (if it's not your car, then it may take up to a month). After that, if you haven't heard anything, then you can take it as red you're in the clear.

If there weren't any cameras, then absolutely don't worry about it. No one would report you for that LMAO.

If you know something like this is going to cause you this much stress and anxiety, then either:-

a) allow more time to complete your journeys, so you're more vigilant (don't let other drivers bully you into making mistakes)
b) plan your journeys so you travel when traffic is lighter, so you don't have the pressure of impatient motorists.

Reply 2

martin7

Original post by user1394930284

Today when I was coming up to a roundabout the light just changed amber when I was about the reach it I was unsure of whether to stop or not but I went through it as I was worried the car behind would of got to close/ hit me or I would have already crossed the line.
I’m wondering if I should have stopped as I may of had enough time but there was a lot of traffic so I panicked and went. I am a new driver who passed a few months ago, I have quite bad driving anxiety so I am really worried about this as I really don’t want to get in trouble. I am trying to overcome my anxiety especially about making silly mistakes but this has really made me anxious!
Could anyone give any advice? :smile:

@Old Skool Freak is correct; this is what the Highway Code says:

"AMBER means ‘Stop’ at the stop line. You may go on only if the AMBER appears after you have crossed the stop line or are so close to it that to pull up might cause an accident" [source:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/light-signals-controlling-traffic]

The relevant legislation is "The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016" (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/362/made), specifically section 5(9) of Schedule 14:

"(9) An amber signal, when shown alone, conveys the same prohibition as red, except that, as respects any vehicle which is so close to the stop line that it cannot safely be stopped without proceeding beyond the stop line, it conveys the same indication as the green signal which was shown immediately before it. " [source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/362/schedule/14/made]

Reply 3

Analyst89

Original post by user1394930284

Today when I was coming up to a roundabout the light just changed amber when I was about the reach it I was unsure of whether to stop or not but I went through it as I was worried the car behind would of got to close/ hit me or I would have already crossed the line.
I’m wondering if I should have stopped as I may of had enough time but there was a lot of traffic so I panicked and went. I am a new driver who passed a few months ago, I have quite bad driving anxiety so I am really worried about this as I really don’t want to get in trouble. I am trying to overcome my anxiety especially about making silly mistakes but this has really made me anxious!
Could anyone give any advice? :smile:

You should be fine.

I could be wrong, I think some cameras are not switched on and I'm sure you check an online map.

As for driving anxiety, it's best to drive alone and get yourself out there, drive on complex roads, roundabouts. It will get easier and once you master them you'll be very confident.