8.4 Traffic Lights, Signs and Road Markings
Key Takeaways
- Stop at red; stop at yellow if it is safe; proceed on green only when the intersection and road beyond are clear.
- A red arrow prohibits the indicated movement even if another circular light is green.
- A U-turn at traffic lights or designated crossings requires a U-turn permitted sign and still requires giving way to everyone.
- A single continuous centre line may be crossed to enter or leave a road or property and to pass a cyclist safely; double continuous centre lines may be crossed only for the cyclist-passing exception.
- Wet paint and metal are surface hazards: reduce speed beforehand and cross smoothly with minimal lean.
Traffic Lights, Signs and Road Markings
Traffic controls apply to motorcycles in the same way as other vehicles, with specific access to bicycle storage areas at red lights. The safe rider reads the legal instruction and the surface beneath it.
| Control | Required response |
|---|---|
| Red light or red arrow | Stop; do not pass the applicable stop line in that direction |
| Yellow light or arrow | Stop if it is safe to do so |
| Green light or arrow | Proceed only if the intersection and road beyond are clear |
| Flashing yellow | Proceed cautiously and apply the relevant give-way rules |
| Illuminated red lane cross | Do not travel in that lane |
Traffic lights and arrows
At a red light, stop before the stop line and do not pass it. Where a bicycle storage area has two stop lines, motorcycles and bicycles may enter the storage area and must stop at the second line; other motor vehicles stop at the first.
At a yellow light, stop if it is safe. Yellow begins the red phase; it is not an invitation to accelerate. If the light changes when the motorcycle is so close that stopping safely is not possible, continue with care. A rider already lawfully in the intersection waiting to turn right must clear it when oncoming traffic stops, even if the signals change.
A green light or arrow permits movement only when the intersection and road beyond are clear. When turning, give way to pedestrians, bicycle riders and personal mobility-device riders crossing the road being entered. A green signal is not an absolute priority.
A red arrow prohibits travel in the arrow’s direction even when the circular signal is green. A flashing yellow light or arrow calls for caution and application of the relevant give-way rules.
U-turns
At traffic lights, children’s crossings, level crossings, marked foot crossings and pedestrian crossings, a U-turn is permitted only when a U-turn permitted sign is displayed. At an otherwise lawful location, the rider still needs a clear view, must avoid obstructing traffic and must give way to all vehicles and pedestrians—even vehicles facing stop or give-way controls.
A U-turn is prohibited across a single or double continuous centre line, a continuous line on the rider’s side of a broken line, or a painted island, unless a specific road-rule exception applies to a different manoeuvre such as passing a cyclist; that cyclist exception does not authorise a U-turn.
Sign families
Regulatory signs state legal duties and prohibitions: stop, give way, speed, no entry, lane use and turn controls. Their shapes and colours help recognition.
Warning signs, commonly yellow diamonds, alert riders to curves, intersections, crossings, animals and surface hazards. An advisory-speed plate is not a new statutory limit, but it is a strong indication of the speed at which the feature can be negotiated in favourable conditions. A motorcycle may require less because of rain, gravel or sight.
Guide and information signs assist with routes, destinations and services. They do not cancel a nearby regulatory control.
Centre lines
A broken centre line may be crossed when safe and lawful. A single continuous centre line may be crossed to enter or leave a road or property and to pass a bicycle or personal mobility-device rider safely, but not for an ordinary overtake or U-turn.
Double continuous centre lines must not be crossed except for the safe bicycle or personal-mobility-device passing exception. Contrary to a common claim, the general driveway exception that applies to a single continuous centre line does not apply across double continuous centre lines.
When passing a cyclist under the exception, the rider must still have a clear road, maintain the statutory distance and give sufficient indication if changing road position.
Lane and edge lines
A continuous line between same-direction lanes generally must not be crossed, subject to the special-purpose-lane exception where the rider is permitted to use that lane. A continuous edge line marks the shoulder, not an ordinary travel lane. The motorcycle edge-filtering rule creates a narrow permission for eligible open riders on qualifying roads; it does not turn every shoulder into a lane.
Obey lane arrows. Stop and give-way lines define the stopping or yielding place. Do not stop over a crossing or enter an intersection that is blocked beyond.
Paint and traction
Road paint, raised markers, metal covers and steel plates can have less grip when wet. Scan ahead, reduce speed before contact, keep the motorcycle as upright as practicable and use smooth throttle, steering and braking. Avoid fabricated friction values; the correct response depends on the condition.
If a motorcycle does not trigger a traffic signal, remain behind the stop line and wait for lawful operation or assistance. Do not proceed through a red merely because a sensor appears not to detect the bike.
What must a rider do when a traffic light turns yellow?
May a rider cross double continuous centre lines to enter a driveway?
What does a red turning arrow require when the circular light is green?