Traffic lights in Europe - Traffic regulations in Europe - v.EN, travel - studentnews.eu (2024)

CountryVehicle registration platesTraffic lights
AustriaANo information
BelgiumB
  • Red light: do not cross the stop line or pass the light.
  • Amber light precedes the red light: stop unless you are already too close to stop safely when the light changes.
  • Green light: drive.
BulgariaBGThe red light is preceded by an amber light at which the driver has to stop, except if the car is too close to the signalling device and cannot stop safely.
CroatiaHRNo information
CyprusCYNo information
Czech RepublicCZ
  • Red light: do not cross the stop line or pass the light.
  • Amber light precedes the red light: stop unless you are already too close to stop safely when the light changes.
  • Amber and red lights flashing together: prepare to drive.
  • Green light: drive.
  • Flashing amber light alone: the intersection is not regulated by traffic lights, proceed with caution.
DenmarkDKEmergency vehicles may drive through red lights.
EstoniaEST

Flashing green light warns that a change to amber is imminent.

Amber light: stop unless you are already too close to stop safely when the light changes

FinlandFINNo information
FranceFNo information
GermanyD

Red light (or flashing amber light) at level crossings (rail/road intersections): you must stop and wait at the crossing sign.

Flashing red arrow at level crossings: you must stop and wait only if intending to turn in the direction of the arrow.

GreeceGRNo information
HungaryHAmber light precedes the red light: stop unless you are already too close to stop safely when the light changes.
IrelandIRL

The sequence of traffic lights in Ireland is green, amber, red and green again.

Red light: "stop" - do not go beyond the stop line at the light or, if there is no stop line, beyond the light.

Green light: go on if the way is clear - take special care and give way to pedestrians who are crossing, if you turn left or right.

Green arrow (also known as the filter light): you may move on in the direction of the arrow, assuming it is safe and the way is clear, even if a red light is also showing. Always look out for emergency vehicles that may be responding to an incident using blue lights and sirens.

Amber light: do not go beyond the stop line or, if there is no stop line, beyond the light, unless you are so close to the line or the light that stopping would be dangerous.

Flashing amber light: you may proceed only if it is safe to do so and, if appropriate, yield to other traffic.

Flashing amber arrow: you may proceed in the direction of the arrow but only if it is safe to do so, and you must yield if other traffic is approaching.

Failure to obey traffic lights could result in 2 penalty points and a fine of up to €120, or 5 penalty points and a fine on conviction.

ItalyINo information
LatviaLVEmergency vehicles with flashing blue lights and sirens can ignore the red light, provided they do not endanger other road users.
LiechtensteinLThe amber light warns drivers they will have to stop when it turns red. The penalty for ignoring the red light is 200 CHF.
LithuaniaLTGreen arrow beside the red light: you may turn right, but before entering the intersection, you have to stop before the "Stop" line and you must give way to pedestrians and other traffic.
LuxembourgLNo information.
MaltaM
  • Red and amber signal indicate an impending change from the red signal to green signal and convey the same prohibition as the red signal
  • Green signal indicates that vehicle may proceed straight, or turn to the left or to the right
  • Amber signal indicates an impending change from the green signal to the red signal and conveys the same prohibition as the red signal
NetherlandsNLAmber light precedes the red light, but not in front of bridges, level crossings (road/rail intersections) and traffic lights for pedestrians.
NorwayNNo information
PolandPL

Red light: do not cross the stop line or pass the light.

Yellow light precedes the red light: stop unless you are already too close to stop safely.

Red and yellow lights together: lights are about to change to green; get ready to go but don't set off until the green light is on.

Green light: drive on, provided the way is clear.

Green arrow beside the red light: you may turn in the direction of the arrow provided that you shall stop before the traffic lights and shall not cause an obstruction to other participants.

PortugalPNo information
RomaniaRONo information
SlovakiaSKAmber light precedes red light.
SloveniaSLOEmergency vehicles may pass red lights.
SpainEAmber light precedes the red light: stop unless you are already too close to stop safely when the light changes.
SwedenSYellow light (following green): stop unless you are already too close to stop safely when the light changes.
SwitzerlandCHThe amber light announces the red light at which the driver has to stop. The penalty for ignoring the red light is 250 CHF.
United KingdomGBNo specific rules in force.
Traffic lights in Europe - Traffic regulations in Europe - v.EN, travel - studentnews.eu (2024)
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