You’re driving at 30 mph towards a set of traffic lights that have been green for some time. As you get closer, they change to amber when you’re still several car lengths before the stop line. There’s a car following you at a normal distance. What should you do?

Explanation

According to Highway Code Rule 175, you MUST stop at the white ‘Stop’ line unless the light is green. You may only go on amber if you have already crossed the stop line, or are so close that stopping might cause a collision. In this scenario, you are still several car lengths from the line, so you should anticipate the change, check your mirrors, brake in good time and stop safely at the line. You must not speed up to ‘beat’ the amber light, and you should avoid harsh or sudden braking that could cause an emergency situation or a rear-end collision.