---
title: "Red and Amber traffic light Meaning | UK Road Signs"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/traffic-light-red-amber
description: "Understand the red and amber traffic light signal combination for your UK theory test."
lang: en
---

# Red and amber traffic lights together — UK road sign

Red and amber shown together indicate that the signal is about to change to green, but you must not move yet.

Image: Red and amber traffic lights together — red and amber vertical lights UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/traffic-light-red-amber.svg)

Red and amber illuminated together signal that the lights are preparing to change to green.

Drivers must remain stopped behind the line until green appears; moving prematurely on red and amber is an offence.

## What this sign means

This combination warns drivers to prepare to go, but it carries the same legal prohibition as a solid red light.

You must not pass the stop line or move your vehicle until the green light illuminates.

## What to do when you see it

When red and amber light up together:

Key actions:

- Select first gear and prepare your control clutch/accelerator points.
- Keep your foot on the brake or parking brake engaged.
- Remain stationary until the green light appears.

## How this sign is tested

Theory questions test knowledge of traffic signal sequences and emphasise that red and amber together still legally means stop.

Candidates must identify the sequence order correctly.

## Common mistakes

Moving off or crossing the stop line before the green light actually illuminates.

Confusing red and amber together with flashing amber (which occurs only at Pelican crossings).

## Test yourself on this one

Road and traffic signs is the biggest category in the question bank with 102 questions, and signs turn up inside other categories too. Work through them free, no sign-up needed.

Practise road sign questions (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/practice)

## Frequently asked questions

Can I start driving on red and amber together?

No. You must remain stopped behind the line until the green light appears.

What is the complete UK traffic light sequence?

Red -> Red and Amber -> Green -> Amber -> Red.

How does red and amber differ from flashing amber?

Red and amber together appears in standard junction signals where you cannot go yet; flashing amber appears at Pelican crossings where you yield to pedestrians.

## Passed your theory? Get the practical booked

Your theory certificate lasts two years. Most learners who use it quickly do it with an intensive course — a block of hours with a DVSA approved instructor and a practical test at the end, instead of one lesson a week for months.

Intensive course prices: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/pricing
All courses: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/courses
Crash courses: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/crash-courses
Automatic lessons: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-lessons/automatic
Areas we cover: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-lessons-in
Driving test centres: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-test-centres
How it works: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/how-it-works
Test pass guarantee: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/test-pass-guarantee

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