Traffic lights
If you see a red light for the direction you’re heading in, you must stop at the marked line.
Road rules for traffic lights
Pay attention to traffic lights, signals and signs at intersections. If you see a red light for the direction you're heading in, you must stop at the marked line.
You may be fined if you ignore the law
Drivers can be fined and receive demerit points if caught breaking the rules for traffic lights and signals.
| Traffic signal | What to do |
|---|---|
| Red light | You must stop fully and don't enter the intersection. You must stop fully and don't enter the intersection. |
| Yellow light | You must stop unless it's not safe to do so. You must stop unless it's not safe to do so. |
| Green light | You can go through the intersection if there's enough room on the other side. You must not stop or block the intersection. |
Traffic lights can be in various configurations depending on the traffic flow and road design.
Traffic lights with arrows
To make a turn at a traffic light with an arrow, follow the arrow that’s pointing in the direction you want to go.
- You must stop at a red arrow.
- You can make a turn at a green arrow if it’s safe to do so.
Traffic light failure or flashing yellow
If the traffic lights at an intersection aren’t working, or if the lights are flashing yellow, you must follow the same rules at an intersection which has a stop or give way sign or line.
Read more about the road rules for intersections and giving way.
Traffic lights for trams and buses
At some intersections, there are traffic lights that show a white T or B on a black background.
When these lights are on, trams and buses can go through the intersection. All other drivers must wait for the normal green lights or turning arrows.
Traffic lights for bicycles
Some traffic lights have bicycle symbols. These lights are for bicycle riders only. All other road users must obey the normal traffic lights and signals.
Traffic lights for pedestrians
At many intersections and pedestrian crossings, there are red and green pedestrian lights which tell pedestrians when they’re allowed to cross.
As a driver, you must always give way to pedestrians who are entering or crossing the road you’re turning into. This rule applies whether the pedestrian lights are green or not.
Read more about traffic light laws
The rules for traffic lights and intersections are published in the Road Safety Road Rules 2017.
- Part 6 – Obeying traffic lights (Rule 56-66)
- Part 17 – Additional rules for drivers of trams and public buses (Rule 273-286)