The rules outlined below are an overview, please refer to the rule references for more details.
- Red means you must stop. Do not enter the intersection
- Yellow means stop unless you are unable to do so safely
- Green means you may enter the intersection, but only if you do not block the intersection
If traffic lights at the intersection are not operating, or the traffic lights are showing only a flashing yellow traffic light you must give way as if the intersection did not have traffic lights, or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line.
If the traffic light arrow is pointing in the direction you want to go is red, you must stop. If the arrow is green you may proceed in the direction it is pointing if it is safe to do so.
Some traffic lights show a white T or B on a black background. These are used for trams and buses at some intersections. Some traffic lights may have red, yellow and green bicycle lights which apply to cyclists. Other road users must wait for the normal green light.
Turning vehicles must always give way to pedestrians who are crossing the road they are turning into whether or not there is a green ‘walking figure’ facing the pedestrian.
Stop and give way signs are used at many intersections and other places see Give way.
Road Safety Road Rules 2009
- 56 Stopping for a red traffic light or arrow
- 57 Stopping for a yellow traffic light or arrow
- 58 Exceptions to stopping for a red or yellow traffic light
- 59 Proceeding through a red traffic light
- 60 Proceeding through a red traffic arrow
- 60A Proceeding through a bicycle storage area before a red traffic light or arrow
- 61 Proceeding when traffic lights or arrows at an intersection change to yellow or red
- 62 Giving way when turning at an intersection with traffic lights
- 63 Giving way at an intersection with traffic lights not operating or only partly operating
- 64 Giving way at a flashing yellow traffic arrow at an intersection
- 65 Giving way at a marked foot crossing (except at an intersection) with a flashing yellow traffic light
- Part 17 – Additional rules for drivers of trams and public buses and in the case of B lights, to other vehicles permitted to drive in a bus lane
To look up these rules and check for other related rules, please refer to the Acts and Regulations administered by VicRoads.