What does a yellow traffic light mean? Rules in Victoria

Do you know the correct way to respond to a yellow traffic light? Confusion about this commonly misunderstood road rule can put lives at risk and result in a hefty fine.

Knowing what to do at traffic lights is one of the most important road rules for motorists. Obeying traffic lights helps prevent accidents, reduce congestion and protect all road users, including drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

The general principle that ‘red means stop’ and ‘green means go’ applies in most situations – but when it comes to amber or yellow traffic lights, some confusion remains in the community about what the yellow light truly means and the correct way to respond.

Transport Victoria states that at a yellow light, motorists “must stop unless it’s not safe to do so”. But what exactly does “not safe” mean?

RACV Head of Policy James Williams says drivers should rethink how they view yellow traffic lights. “Motorists should view yellow lights as the start of the red, not the end of the green,” he says. “The only reason you can drive through a yellow light is if you're so close to the intersection that braking could either cause a crash or cause you to stop within the intersection.”

This guide provides information on what laws and fines apply to a yellow light, how red-light cameras work and, most importantly, how to react when approaching a yellow light or flashing yellow light at an intersection