The traffic light law you’ve almost definitely broken: How you could end up with a $448 fine even if you DON’T drive through a red light

  • Many believe that the yellow traffic light signals the end of the 'green light phase'
  • However this is incorrect and drivers are expected to stop if it is safe to do so
  • The yellow light offence is nationwide - but the penalty differs across the country

By CLAUDIA POPOSKI FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: | Updated:

It's something most drivers are guilty of, even if they won't admit it.

But driving through a yellow light is illegal - and could land you with a big fine. 

Many Australians believe that the yellow traffic light signals the end of the green light phase - and that it is fine to carry on driving - but that is wrong.

The yellow light in fact is the beginning of the red light phase and you're expected to stop when it appears - if it is safe to do so. 

The yellow light in fact is the beginning of the red light phase and you're expected to stop when it appears - if it is safe to do so

The yellow light in fact is the beginning of the red light phase and you're expected to stop when it appears - if it is safe to do so

A pamphlet released by Transport for New South Wales revealed ten of the road laws most misunderstood in the state.  

The pamphlet read: 'A yellow (amber) traffic light or arrow means stop. 

'A driver approaching traffic lights showing a yellow traffic light must stop if the driver can stop safely before reaching the stop line or traffic lights. 

'Penalties apply for drivers who fail to stop at a yellow light, unless it is unsafe to do so.'

The penalty for breaking this road rule in NSW is $448 and three demerit points.

Queensland Government also said: 'If it’s safe to stop, you must not drive past the stop line at the yellow traffic light or, if there is no stop line, the traffic light.'

The fine in South Australia is $464, which may have an additional victims levy of $60, and three demerit points (stock image)

The fine in South Australia is $464, which may have an additional victims levy of $60, and three demerit points (stock image)

The South Australian Drivers Knowledge Handbook stated: 'This indicates that the lights are about to change to red. 

'You must not enter the intersection unless you are so close to the stop line that you are unable to stop safely without entering the intersection or risking a rear-end crash with vehicles following you.'

The fine in South Australia is $464, which may have an additional victims levy of $60, and three demerit points.

While the Northern Territory has no demerit points deducted and a $100 fine.

FINES IN EACH STATE

New South Wales

  • $448 
  • Three demerit points

Victoria 

  • $396
  • Three demerit points 

Queensland

  • $391 
  • Three demerit point  

Tasmania

  • $122.25
  • Three demerit points 

 

Northern Territory 

  • $100
  • No demerit points

Western Australia

  • 4 Penalty units 
  • Two demerit points 

South Australia 

  • $464
  • Could include $60 victims levy
  • Three demerit points 

Australian Capital Territory   

  • $474
  • Three demerit points 

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