Can I be fined for driving through a red light?
RUNNING a red light could have serious consequences as thousands die in traffic accidents on junctions every year.
But even if no accident occurs, drivers can still be slapped with a hefty fine and penalty points on their license.
Can I get fined for driving through a red light?
The traffic laws are clear that driving through a red light is a strict liability offence.
Failing to comply with the rules carries a minimum fine of £100 and three penalty points.
But in more severe cases, the penalty may increase to six penalty points and a maximum fine of £1,000.
Examples of more serious offences include causing an accident, speeding, or driving through a red light after it has remained red for a long time.
Running a red light doesn’t always mean driving through a junction at a red light – an offence has also been committed if any part of the vehicle crosses over the white stop line.
If the offence has been detected by a fixed camera, you can expect a Notice of Intended Prosecution to arrive by post within two weeks.
know your ROad laws
You will also be asked to identify the driver of the vehicle at the time the offence was committed.
If you fail to respond to the penalty notice, or give wrong details of the driver, the case could go to court and you could face a more severe penalty.
However, you can appeal the notice if you feel you had mitigating circumstances.
New traffic regulations coming into force from January 29 can land you a £1,000 fine – read all about the changes to the Highway Code.
Do traffic lights have a camera on?
Traffic light (or red light) cameras can catch drivers who run red lights.
Their sensors turn on when the light changes to red, and they detect cars that pass over the advanced stop lines.
These cameras usually also have built-in radar technology and can also catch out “amber gamblers” – drivers who speed up at an amber light.
The camera will usually flash at you to let you know it has recorded the offence, although this is not always the case.
And in some cases, drivers can face a fine even if they have stopped before the lights.
Rule 178 of the Highway Code states: “Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cycles to be positioned ahead of other traffic.
“Motorists, including motorcyclists, MUST stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red and should avoid blocking the way or encroaching on the marked area at other times, e.g. if the junction ahead is blocked.
“If your vehicle has proceeded over the first white line at the time that the signal goes red, you MUST stop at the second white line, even if your vehicle is in the marked area.
“Allow cyclists time and space to move off when the green signal shows.”
Will I fail my driving test for going through a red light?
Not responding appropriately to traffic lights is one of the top reasons drivers fail their driving test.
Whether it’s a minor mistake, or a more serious fault, it will still be marked under the ‘Response to signs – Traffic lights’ section on the driving test report.
If the candidate fails to stop at a red light, they will immediately be failed.
This also goes for drivers crossing over the advanced stop lines, or speeding at an amber light.
The key to ensuring this doesn’t happen is to assess the traffic light before reaching it and slow down as you approach.
If the light has been green for a while, there is a good chance it will change as you reach it.
You should always stop at an amber light, unless it is not safe to do so, or if you’ve already crossed the second stop line.