Red, orange, green and arrows

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Red, amber and green lights and directional arrows: what each phase requires, including amber and the Belgian special cases.

Coverage, Red, orange, green and arrows

Lesson objectives

Understand the exact meaning of red, orange and green lights for cars Master the use of directional arrows and their specific rules Know stopping zones and positioning rules at intersections

Red light: mandatory stop

Red light means prohibition of crossing the stop line or, in the absence of a stop line, the signal itself (art. 61.1, 1°). This is the exact wording of the code, and it has a practical consequence: it is not "stop before the intersection", it is stop before the line or, if there is none, before the light, a light placed after a distant stop line does not move the stopping point.

Stopping at a red light at an urban intersection

Stop line

Stop line: white marking indicating where the driver must stop. In the absence of a stop line, the traffic signal itself determines the stopping point (art. 61.1).

Orange light: caution and stop

A fixed yellow-orange light means prohibition of crossing the stop line or, in the absence of one, the signal, unless when it lights up the driver is so close that he can no longer stop in sufficiently safe conditions . The second half of the rule is the one often forgotten: if, in these circumstances, the driver has crossed the line at an intersection, he can cross the intersection only on the condition of not endangering other road users . The orange light is therefore not an authorization to accelerate (art. 61.1, 2°).

Fixed yellow-orange light

Warning signal that prepares you to stop. You must stop unless you are too close to brake safely.

Green light: passage authorized

Green light means authorization to cross the signal (art. 61.1, 3°). It grants nothing more: it does not create priority over users already lawfully engaged, and it does not exempt from general rules, in particular from the obligation not to enter an intersection when there is a risk of remaining immobilized there and blocking traffic. On priority signs placed at the same location, see article 6.3 below.

Passing through a green light at an intersection

Directional arrows

Red, orange and green lights can be replaced by arrows of the same color . These arrows have the same meaning as circular lights, but the prohibition or authorization applies only in the direction indicated by the arrow .

Types of arrows and their meaning

Red arrow : prohibition of crossing in this direction Orange arrow : preparation to stop in this direction Green arrow : authorization to follow this direction

Red light with green arrow: special case

When one or more additional green arrows are lit together with the red or yellow-orange light , they mean authorization to proceed only in the directions indicated , provided that you yield to drivers lawfully entering from other directions and to pedestrians (art. 61.1, 5°). This is therefore not merely an invitation to caution: it is an obligation to yield, and it applies also when the main light is orange, not only red.

Example: turning right at a red light

You arrive at an intersection with a circular red light and a green arrow pointing right. You can turn right, but you must first check that the way is clear and that you are not hindering any pedestrian or cyclist.

Flashing yellow-orange light: broken lights

A flashing yellow-orange light means authorization to cross the signal with extra caution; it does not change the rules of priority (art. 64.1). The code provides for three forms: a light placed alone, or two lights alternating; the yellow-orange light of a three-color system when the entire system is not working ; in special cases, a light that comes on in place of the green light . The breakdown is therefore only one of the three cases: a permanent flashing yellow-orange, at a dangerous location, does not signal any breakdown. And because it does not change the rules of priority, the exception of article 6.3 applies: priority signs become applicable again , or failing that, right-of-way.

Flashing yellow-orange light

Signal indicating a traffic light malfunction. You must treat the intersection as if there were no light and apply normal priority rules.

Positioning at stop: advanced zones for cyclists

The advanced zone for cyclists and two-wheeled moped riders is the zone where a cycle path ends, delimited by two stop lines and marked with the symbol of a bicycle in white (art. 77.6). It is announced by signal F14 . Two clarifications from the text: cyclists can only position themselves there during the red phase of the lights, and it is during this same red phase that other drivers must stop before the first stop line. Outside the red phase, the zone has no effect.

Advanced zone for cyclists at red light

At the exam: where to place the light?

Circular traffic signals are placed to the right of the roadway and may be repeated on the left, above the roadway, on the other side of the intersection, and even on the same pole at driver eye level (art. 61.4). Arrow-shaped signals , on the other hand, are placed above the traffic lanes or to the right . Nothing in the code allows you to ignore a light because it is on the left: repetition is a reading convenience, not a condition of validity.

Lights take precedence over signs

Article 6.3 establishes the hierarchy: the operation of traffic signals at a specific location renders ineffective the traffic signs relating to priority placed on the same roadway. Remember the three exceptions that the same article states, they make excellent exam questions. This neutralization does not apply to: flashing yellow-orange light ; traffic signals above traffic lanes ; priority signals B22 and B23 , which allow the cyclist to cross the red light to turn right or continue straight, by yielding the right of way. Reminder of the general order: the instructions of qualified agents take precedence over traffic signs and traffic rules (art. 6.1), and traffic signs take precedence over rules (art. 6.2).

Summary of traffic light meanings

Light Code text Reference Red Prohibition of crossing the stop line or, failing that, the signal itself 61.1, 1° Fixed yellow-orange Same prohibition, unless the driver is too close to stop safely; if he has crossed the line, he crosses only on condition of not endangering others 61.1, 2° Green Permission to cross the signal 61.1, 3° Red / orange / green arrows Same meaning as lights, limited to the indicated directions 61.1, 4° Green arrow + red or orange Continue only in the indicated direction, yielding the right of way to drivers entering regularly and pedestrians 61.1, 5° Bicycle silhouette Concerns only cyclists and two-wheeled mopeds 61.1, 6° Flashing yellow-orange Permission to cross while exercising extra caution; does not modify priority rules 64.1 Two red lights flashing alternately Prohibition of crossing, for all users 64.2 Flashing lunar white Permission to cross (level crossing) 64.3

Key points to remember

Red : prohibition of crossing the stop line or, failing that, the signal itself. Fixed yellow-orange : same prohibition, unless it is impossible to stop safely, and then, cross without endangering others. Green : permission to cross the signal. Nothing more: no priority created over those already engaged. Arrows : same meaning, limited to the indicated directions. Green arrow with a red or orange : continue in that direction by yielding the right of way to drivers entering regularly and pedestrians. Flashing yellow-orange : cross while exercising extra caution; priority rules remain unchanged. It is not necessarily a breakdown. Advanced zone (F14, art. 77.6) : cyclists line up there during the red phase ; other drivers then stop before the first line. Article 6.3 : operating lights neutralize priority signs on the same roadway, except flashing yellow-orange, lights above lanes, and B22 / B23.

What now?

First do the quiz for this lesson to validate your learning, then practice on the exam simulator and the MCQs . Next lesson: Bike, tram and pedestrian lights .

BelgianLicenses

Theory without practice is forgotten: follow up with MCQs to durably anchor your learning.