What to do without lights?

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Traffic lights out of order or switched off: which priority rules take over and how to cross the junction lawfully.

Cover, What to do without lights?

Lesson objectives

Understand what happens when traffic lights are broken or defective Apply right of way in the absence of light signaling Recognize and respect temporary replacement signaling

Traffic light failure: the hierarchy of rules

Article 6 establishes a three-tier hierarchy, which is better cited than summarized: 6.1 , instructions from qualified officers take precedence over road signs and traffic rules; 6.2 , road signs take precedence over traffic rules; 6.3 , the operation of traffic lights at a specific location renders road priority signals placed on the same lane ineffective . Article 6.3 provides this last rule with three exceptions : it does not apply to the flashing yellow-orange light , nor to traffic lights placed above traffic lanes , nor to signs B22 and B23 .

Flashing yellow-orange light

Flashing yellow-orange light (art. 64.1): it means authorization to cross the signal with extra caution, and it does not modify priority rules. It can be a single light, two alternating lights, the orange light of a non-functioning three-color system, or, in special cases, a light that turns on in place of the green light.

Recognizing a traffic light failure

The flashing yellow-orange light is not synonymous with a breakdown. Article 64.1 provides three uses for it: a light placed alone , or two lights turning on alternately , often to signal a permanently dangerous location; the yellow-orange light of a three-color system when the entire system is not functioning : this is the case of a breakdown; in special cases, a light that turns on in place of the green light . In all three cases, the conduct to follow is the same: cross with extra caution, without priority rules being modified, therefore by applying the present sign, or failing that, the right-of-way rule.

B5

B5, STOP. Octagonal red sign. You must completely immobilize your vehicle at the stop line. Come to a complete stop as defined by the Code, then yield to all other road users. A mere slowdown constitutes an infraction.

B1

B1, yield the right of way. It is a white triangle with a red border, point downward. At the intersection, you must let pass all drivers traveling on the road you are crossing. Slow down sufficiently in advance. You are not required to stop if the road is clear, but you must be ready to yield priority.

B17

B17, Intersection where right-of-way applies. The sign is a triangle on its point bearing a black cross. It grants priority to no one: it reminds you that the intersection is governed by the general rule of article 12.3.1, that of right-of-way.

Apply right-of-way without traffic lights

In the absence of a sign, article 12.3.1 applies: every driver must yield to the one coming from their right . The text itself sets out two exceptions and two inversions that the exam questions: the rule does not apply if you are driving in a roundabout ; it does not apply if the driver coming from the right is coming from a one-way street ; you yield to every driver traveling on the roadway you are entering when you emerge from a road with a B1 or B5 , even to one coming from your left; likewise when you emerge from a dirt road or path onto a public road with a roadway.

Right-of-way

General traffic rule in Belgium: every driver must yield to vehicles arriving from their right, unless a road sign or traffic light provides otherwise.

Intersection without traffic lights with right-of-way

When a priority sign is present

If a priority sign is placed under the failed light (STOP, Yield, or priority diagram), that sign regains its rights and applies immediately. You must then: Respect the sign as if the light did not exist Come to a complete stop if it is a STOP Yield if it is an inverted triangle Follow the priority diagram indicated

Two statements not to be confused: a functioning light renders priority signals placed on the same lane ineffective, but not B22 and B23, nor traffic lights above traffic lanes (art. 6.3); a flashing yellow-orange light is expressly excluded from this neutralization: the priority sign, if there is one, applies fully. Note that the green light has never 'overridden' a sign in the sense of granting additional priority: it authorizes crossing the signal, and it is the priority sign that is neutralized.

B9

B9, Priority road. It is a yellow diamond bordered in white. You are traveling on a road that has priority at the following intersections. Other road users must yield to you, unless otherwise indicated. Remain vigilant: priority never exempts you from attention to pedestrians and cyclists.

B11

Sign B11 signals the end of a priority road. It is a yellow diamond with a line through it. From this point on, your road no longer has priority. At the next intersections, you must again respect the usual rules: right-of-way, STOP signs, and yield signs according to the signs you encounter.

B15 A

Sign B15 indicates priority passage. It represents the diagram of the intersection with the priority road. The thicker line shows the branch that has priority. Look at which branch you are arriving on to know if you have priority or if you must yield.

Temporary replacement signage

In case of prolonged breakdown or roadworks, the authorities may put in place temporary signalling to replace faulty traffic lights. This temporary signalling can take several forms: Temporary priority signs Qualified personnel regulating traffic Specialized road markings Construction beacons You must comply with this temporary signalling with the same rigour as permanent signalling.

Qualified personnel

Authorized person (police officer, gendarme, traffic officer) responsible for regulating traffic and issuing orders. Their instructions take precedence over all other road signals and traffic lights.

B3

Sign B3 announces the arrival of signal B1, which indicates 'Yield'. This advance warning tells you that a B1 sign is coming further ahead, at approximately the distance indicated, for example 150 metres. As soon as you see this sign, begin to slow down so you can yield at the next intersection without rushing.

B7

Signal B7 announces the arrival of a B5 signal, that is a STOP. This advance warning alerts you that a STOP is coming at the distance indicated on the sign, generally one hundred and fifty metres. You must anticipate by easing off the accelerator and downshifting. At the STOP line, you must come to a complete stop.

B13

Signal B13 announces signal B11, which indicates the end of priority road. It warns you at approximately the distance indicated. This advance warning tells you that your priority road status will soon end. Prepare to lose priority beyond signal B11 and apply ordinary rules at the following intersections.

Qualified personnel regulating traffic at an intersection

Special case: traffic light with priority sign in operation

When the traffic light is functioning, article 6.3 renders ineffective road signals relating to priority placed on the same lane: you obey the traffic light. Three exceptions, stated in the same article: the flashing yellow-orange light neutralizes nothing; luminous signals above traffic lanes (art. 62bis) do not have this effect; and signs B22 and B23 , which allow cyclists and speed pedelec riders to pass through a red light to turn right or continue straight ahead while yielding, remain applicable.

To remember for the exam: the question is not 'is the traffic light broken?' but ' which traffic light do I have in front of me? ' red, yellow-orange fixed or green → I obey the traffic light, and the priority signs on the same lane are ineffective; yellow-orange flashing → I proceed with extra caution, and I apply the priority sign present, or failing that the right-of-way rule; a qualified personnel present → their instructions take precedence over everything else, including traffic lights (art. 6.1).

The flashing yellow-orange light authorizes proceeding with extra caution and does not change priority rules (art. 64.1). It does not necessarily signal a breakdown: the code recognizes three uses for it. Hierarchy of article 6: qualified personnel > signalling > traffic rules; and functioning traffic lights neutralize priority signals on the same lane. The three exceptions of article 6.3: flashing yellow-orange, signals above traffic lanes, signs B22 and B23 . In the absence of a sign: right-of-way rule (art. 12.3.1), except in a roundabout and unless the driver on the right is coming from a no-entry direction. You yield to all when you emerge from a road with a B1 or B5 , or from a dirt road or path . Priority signals: B1 yield, B5 stop and yield, B9 priority road, B11 end of priority road, B15 right of way, B17 intersection with right-of-way rule. The B3, B7 and B13 announce them at the indicated distance.

Congratulations!

First complete the quiz for this lesson to validate your learning, then practice on the exam simulator and multiple choice questions . You have completed this entire course. Congratulations, now it's time for practice!

BelgianLicenses

Passing the exam requires consistency, a little each day, and the highway code will hold no secrets for you.