3.1 Traffic Light Signals
Key Takeaways
The normal Barbados cycle is red, green, amber, then red again; red and amber are never shown together (reg. 109(2)(g)).
Red means do not pass the stop line; amber means stop at the line unless you are so close when it appears that you cannot stop safely (reg. 112).
An illuminated green arrow lets you proceed in the arrow's direction whatever else the signal shows (reg. 112(2)(c)).
In flashing mode, priority roads show flashing amber and other roads show flashing red (Tenth Schedule).
Pedestrian signals: a red figure means do not cross, a steady green figure means cross, and a flashing green figure means do not start to cross (reg. 113).
Light signals are one of the most heavily tested topics, and Barbados has one rule that catches candidates who learned from British or other Commonwealth material. The Barbados sequence has no red-and-amber phase.
The standard three-light signal (reg. 109(2))
- Three lights are arranged vertically: red at the top, amber in the middle, green at the bottom. Each lens is 20 to 21 cm across.
- The red lens carries the word STOP in black lettering.
- The sequence for controlling vehicles is fixed by regulation 109(2)(g): (i) red, (ii) green, (iii) amber, and then back to red. The Tenth Schedule shows the same "normal operation" cycle: red, then green (a ball or an arrow), then amber.
RED --> GREEN --> AMBER --> RED --> ...
That is why Barbados test papers ask "what light shouldn't you expect after a green?" (red, because green is followed by amber) and "a solid amber light is showing; what will not show next?" (green, because amber is followed by red).
Warning
Questions written from the British Highway Code describe "red and amber together" before green. That phase is not part of the Barbados sequence in regulation 109. Wait for green.
What each light means (reg. 112)
| Light | Meaning in the Regulations | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Traffic "shall not be permitted to proceed beyond the stop line" or, if there is no visible line, beyond the signals | Stop behind the line and wait |
| Green | Traffic "may be permitted to pass the signals and proceed straight on or to the left or to the right" | Go only if the way is clear, giving way to pedestrians and vehicles still in the junction |
| Amber | Traffic must not proceed beyond the stop line, except a vehicle that is so close to the line when the amber first appears "that it cannot safely be stopped before passing the line" | Stop if you can do so safely; do not speed up to "beat the red" |
| Green arrow | Traffic may proceed "in the direction indicated by the arrow notwithstanding any other indication given by the signals" | Go in the arrow's direction only, with care |
Green is permission, not a command to go. Regulation 112(3) says traffic passing light signals must be driven "with due regard to the safety of other users of the road and subject to the direction of any member of the Police Force in uniform." Failing to comply with a red or amber signal is an offence (reg. 112(6)), and failing to obey a light signal carries 4 demerit points.
Flashing mode (Tenth Schedule)
When a junction's signals are switched to flashing mode, the Tenth Schedule sets the pattern for the complete intersection:
- Flashing amber on the priority roads: proceed with caution, as on a major road, watching for vehicles emerging.
- Flashing red on the other roads: treat it as a stop. Stop at the line, give way to traffic on the priority road, and go only when it is safe.
- Amber arrow: traffic may merge with traffic that has a green light.
The twin flashing red signal (reg. 109(3))
A different signal uses two red lamps side by side that flash alternately, each marked STOP. Regulation 112(4) says the intermittent red lights mean traffic must not proceed beyond the stop line, except a vehicle too close to stop safely when the flashing begins. Do not move until the lights stop flashing.
Portable signals at works (reg. 111)
Where road works reduce the road to one line of traffic, portable signals with only red (top) and green may be used, and the red lens carries STOP. The two colours are never shown together. Treat a portable red exactly like a permanent red. Traffic is coming the other way through the narrow section.
Pedestrian signals (reg. 113)
| Pedestrian figure | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red figure, steady | Pedestrians should not cross |
| Green figure, steady | Pedestrians should cross |
| Green figure, flashing | Pedestrians should not start to cross; those already crossing should finish |
As a driver turning at a signalled junction, expect pedestrians who are finishing their crossing during the flashing green.
When signals fail
If a signal is dark or obviously faulty, no one has a green light. Approach slowly, treat the junction with great caution, give way as you would at an uncontrolled junction, and follow any police officer directing traffic.
The stop line
Regulations 108 and 112(5) provide for a stop line painted across the carriageway in conjunction with the lights. Stop behind the solid line, not on it or past it. If you have to stop for red with no line visible, stop before the signals.
In Barbados, which light follows a steady green in the normal signal cycle?
Flashing green
Red
Red and amber together
Amber
A junction is in flashing mode. Your approach shows a flashing red light and the cross road shows flashing amber. What should you do?
Proceed without stopping, because flashing red is advisory
Wait for a steady green, however long it takes
Proceed, because the cross road must give way to you
Stop, give way to the priority road, then proceed when it is safe
The main signal is red, but a green arrow pointing left is lit. What may you do?
Turn right, because the arrow lets all traffic move
Turn left with care, in the direction of the arrow
Go straight ahead if the junction is clear
Nothing until the main red light changes
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.