What to do if the lights change to red while you’re waiting

If the signal turns red and you haven’t crossed the stop line, stop and wait; if you’re already in the intersection, clear it safely and promptly when the way is clear. In most jurisdictions, you must not enter on red, but you should not reverse or block the junction if you were lawfully waiting inside it. The specifics below cover drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, with regional notes.

If you are before the stop line

This section explains what to do when the signal changes to red and your vehicle has not yet entered the intersection or crossed the stop line, advance stop line, or crosswalk.

• Check mirrors and brake smoothly to a controlled stop before the stop line or crosswalk.
• Do not enter the intersection on red, including creeping past the line or blocking the crosswalk.
• Obey any red arrows: a red arrow means you must not make that specific movement until a green arrow or green signal permits it.
• If there is an advance stop line or bicycle box, stop at the appropriate line for your vehicle type.
• If turning on red is legal where you are (for example, right on red in much of the U.S.), you must first come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians and traffic, and only proceed where signs do not prohibit it.

Stopping before the line keeps crosswalks and detection zones clear, improves safety, and prevents red-light violations captured by enforcement cameras.

If you are already in the intersection

This guidance applies if you entered lawfully (on green or amber where permitted) and the light turns red while you are waiting to proceed or complete a turn.

• Stay calm and remain predictable; do not reverse or make sudden moves.
• Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians as required, then complete your movement when it is safe.
• Clear the intersection promptly once gaps appear; do not accelerate aggressively or try to beat cross-traffic starting on their green.
• If you are waiting to turn across traffic, keep your wheels straight until you commit to the turn to reduce collision risk if struck from behind.
• Never block the crosswalk or tracks; position so you can exit without encroaching on pedestrian space.

Most road codes expect you to clear the junction if you are already within it when the signal changes, prioritizing safety and minimal obstruction.

Special cases

Protected/permissive turn arrows

Signals with arrows can change differently from the circular signal. Here’s how to respond when arrows turn red while you wait.

• Red arrow: you must not make that turn movement. If you have not entered, stay behind the line. If you are already in the intersection from a prior permissive phase, clear it when safe.
• Yellow arrow: prepare to stop if you can safely do so; if already committed, complete the movement with caution.
• Solid green with no arrow: turning traffic must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians; if the light turns red while you are waiting in the intersection, complete the turn when safe.

Knowing the meaning of each arrow phase helps you avoid illegal entries and ensures you only complete movements you have already lawfully begun.

Pedestrians

When you are walking and the lights change to red for vehicles, your actions depend on the pedestrian signal and your position.

• If you see a steady Don’t Walk/hand signal, do not start crossing; wait for the next Walk phase.
• If the signal changes to flashing Don’t Walk while you are already crossing, continue to the far side; do not turn back.
• If there is no pedestrian signal, follow the traffic lights: do not begin crossing on red, and yield to turning vehicles only when you have the Walk signal and it is safe.
• Use pedestrian refuge islands where available and press the call button to request a crossing phase.

Following the pedestrian indications reduces conflicts with turning vehicles and ensures you clear the crosswalk safely and predictably.

Cyclists and motorcyclists

Two-wheeled users should follow the same red-light rules, with a few extra considerations for detection and positioning.

• Stop at the correct line; use bike boxes or advanced stop lines where provided.
• If you are already in the intersection when the light turns red, clear it safely like other vehicles.
• If a signal appears not to detect you, reposition over pavement loop sensors or wait for a vehicle to trigger the phase.
• In some areas, “dead red” laws allow a cautious proceed after waiting a minimum time at a malfunctioning signal; only do this where explicitly legal and safe.

Good positioning and adherence to your designated stop lines improve visibility and compliance while helping signals detect your presence.

Emergency vehicles and gridlock

Red lights often coincide with congestion and emergency responses. Here’s how to act without creating new hazards.

• Do not enter an intersection on red to make way for an emergency vehicle; if you are before the line, stay put unless directed by a police officer.
• If you are already in the intersection, clear it safely so the emergency vehicle has a path.
• Avoid blocking the box: if traffic is stopped beyond the junction, do not enter on green unless you can fully clear.
• Always follow directions from traffic officers or wardens over signal indications.

Keeping intersections clear and following lawful directions ensures emergency vehicles move quickly without compromising safety.

Red-light cameras and enforcement

Many jurisdictions use automated enforcement. Understanding how violations are recorded helps you avoid unintended fines.

• Most systems trigger if you cross the stop line after the signal has turned red, not if you lawfully entered on green/amber and are clearing.
• Stopping over the line or in a crosswalk on red can be ticketed even without fully entering the intersection.
• Right-on-red or turn-on-red violations are commonly recorded if you fail to stop fully or ignore posted prohibitions.
• If a flash occurs while you’re clearing after entering lawfully, documentation often shows entry time; contest procedures vary by locality.

Proper stops at the line and lawful clearing of the junction when already inside typically keep you compliant with camera enforcement.

If the signal seems faulty or stuck

On rare occasions, signals malfunction or fail to cycle. Your response should prioritize caution and local law.

• Wait through at least one full cycle to confirm the fault; try repositioning for detection loops if safe.
• Report the malfunction to the local road authority or non-emergency police line.
• Where law permits, treat the intersection as an all-way stop when signals are dark or flashing red; otherwise follow any flashing indications (e.g., flashing yellow equals proceed with caution).
• Yield right-of-way carefully and proceed only when you can clear the intersection without conflict.

When in doubt, wait and seek an alternative route; never force your way into a busy junction on red because of a suspected fault.

Regional notes (check local law)

Core principles are widely shared, but a few rules vary by region. Use these as general pointers and verify details with your local road code.

• United States: If you entered on green/amber, you may complete your turn after the light turns red when safe. Right on red after a full stop is widely allowed unless signed otherwise; left on red from a one-way to a one-way is allowed in some states. Red arrows prohibit turns.
• United Kingdom: Stop at red before the stop line. If turning right, you may wait in the junction and complete the turn when safe, even if signals change; never turn on red. Respect advanced stop lines for cyclists.
• European Union: Generally similar to UK for clearing the junction if already inside; right on red is usually prohibited unless a specific green arrow plate or signal permits it.
• Australia/New Zealand: Stop at red. You may complete a movement if already in the intersection. Turn on red is generally prohibited except at signed “Left Turn on Red After Stopping” (AU) or specific signals.
• Canada: Similar to U.S. on right-on-red except in parts of Québec and signed locations; local “stuck signal” provisions vary by province.

Because signage, arrows, and exceptions differ, always follow posted instructions and the local highway code over general guidance.

What not to do

Avoid these common mistakes when the signal turns red while you wait.

• Do not accelerate to beat the red or enter after it changes.
• Do not reverse inside the intersection to get back behind the line.
• Do not block crosswalks, cycle boxes, or rail tracks.
• Do not change lanes inside the intersection to get around stopped traffic.
• Do not assume others will yield; make eye contact where possible and proceed only when you have a safe gap.

Steering clear of these errors keeps you legal and reduces collision risk at high-conflict points.

Quick checklist

Use this rapid-reference sequence whenever a light turns red while you’re waiting.

1. If you’re before the line: stop smoothly and stay put.
2. If you’re in the intersection: yield, then clear it safely and promptly.
3. Watch for pedestrians and red arrows; obey posted turn-on-red rules.
4. Don’t reverse, don’t block, and follow any officer’s directions.

This simple routine covers most real-world situations and aligns with common traffic codes.

Summary

If the lights change to red while you’re waiting, stop before the line if you haven’t entered; if you’re already in the intersection, wait for a safe gap and clear it promptly. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, obey arrows and local turn-on-red rules, and never reverse or block crosswalks. When signals malfunction, proceed only as your local law allows, prioritizing safety and predictability for everyone at the junction.

What happens if I go through a light as it turns red?

What can happen when you go through a red light? Aside from receiving a fine, if you’re caught by a red-light camera, you could also find yourself involved in a serious accident, as you have put the safety of yourself and other road users at risk.

What do you do if traffic lights are stuck on red?

If it’s stuck on red the only legal options are to turn around and find a different route or summon a uniformed police constable to direct you through.

Is there a grace period after a light turns red?

There is no grace period. One that light is red you will get a ticket if caught.

Do I get a ticket if the light turns from yellow to red while in the intersection in Maryland?

A citation will not be issued if the vehicle has crossed the white stop line and entered the intersection while the light is yellow and is still in the intersection when the light turns red. Maryland law prohibits the use of red light cameras for any purpose other than enforcing red light camera violations.