Navigating Advanced Stop Lines : A Guide for Motorists & Motorcyclists

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Highway Code Rule 178

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Rule 178 ↗
Advanced stop lines. Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cyclists to be positioned ahead of other traffic. Motorists, including motorcyclists, MUST stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red and should avoid blocking the way or encroaching on the marked area at other times, e.g. if the junction ahead is blocked. If your vehicle has proceeded over the first white line at the time that the signal goes red, you should stop as soon as possible and MUST stop at the second white line. Allow cyclists, including any moving or waiting alongside you, enough time and space to move off when the green signal shows.

Drivers of large vehicles should stop sufficiently far behind the first white line so that they can see the whole area where cyclists may be waiting, allowing for any blind spot in front of the vehicle.

Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD Schedule 14 part 1

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Navigating Advanced Stop Lines : A Guide for Motorists & Motorcyclists

First White Line ( For Motorized Vehicles )

Second White Line ( For Cyclists )

Stop at the First White Line

When traffic lights are amber or red , motorists and motorcyclists MUST stop at the first white line reached to keep the cycle reservoir clear .

Avoid Encroachment

Even when lights are not red , drivers should avoid biocking or entering the marked cycle area if the junction ahead is congested .

The " Cycle Reservoir "

The area between the two white lines is specifically reserved to allow cyclists to be positioned ahead of other traffic .

Guidance for Large Vehicles

Offset Stopping Distance : Drivers of large vehicles should stop further back from the first white line than standard cars .

Clear the Blind Spot : Stopping further back ensures the driver can see the entire cycle area , accounting for the blind spot immediately in front of the vehicle .

The " Caught - Out " Exception

If your vehicle passes the first line while the light turns red , you must stop as soon as possible .

Safety for Cyclists: Provide Time and Space: When the signal turne green , allow cyclists including those waiting or moving alongside - sufficient time and space to move off safely .

If your vehicle passes the first line while the light turns red , you must stop as soon as possible and MUST stop before the second white line .

Legal Framework

These rules are backed by the Road Traffic Act 1988 Section 38 and TSRGD Schedule 14 Part 1 .