At a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights, when the lights change to red you should

Traffic signals run on a sophisticated system, called SCATS. This constantly assesses how many vehicles are travelling through the intersection in each direction. The system then adjusts the length of the green light to compensate. This ensures queuing and delays are minimised.

Many intersections are also linked to adjacent intersections along a major traffic route. The timing of the signals is then governed by creating the best traffic flow along the route.

You may regularly turn right at an intersection and ‘know’ that, for example, approximately six cars will get through on the green. However, at another time of day this will differ. And on a different day of the week this may also change, because traffic conditions have changed.

The system also gives priority to trams and buses at some intersections. While some motorists might not appreciate this, giving these mass-transit modes priority reduces congestion by encouraging people to use public transport. In some locations, pedestrians may also get a longer crossing time where many people cross, or slower pedestrians are present. This may also change the length of green time you receive at the intersection.

Red light arrow drop-out

Ever approach an intersection where the red-turn arrow switches off and no green-turn arrow is displayed? Don’t worry – it’s not a glitch!

In this scenario, the red arrow indicates that it’s not safe to turn just yet. When it drops out, it’s letting you know that you might be able to start turning, but you need to watch the remaining traffic lights and be mindful of oncoming traffic before you go. If the remaining light is green, you may start to turn right, just as you would at an intersection without arrow lights.

At some intersections once the arrow drops out there are no other traffic lights. In this case, you can start to turn after giving way to other road users.

Traffic lights at freeway entry ramps

Some freeway entry ramps are controlled by lights to make merging safer and easier by spacing out vehicles, known as ramp metering. Some operate 24/7, while others only switch on during peak-traffic times. Here’s how they work:

• When the lights start to operate, the yellow light flashes for around one minute.
• The lights then turn red for drivers on the entry ramp to stop at the stop line.
• The lights then begin their green, yellow and red cycle.
• The red traffic light means drivers must stop and not proceed until the light turns to green, just like standard red traffic lights at intersections.
• Only one vehicle can enter the freeway from each lane, unless signs state otherwise.
• Some freeway ramp signals allow trucks or vehicles with two or more people (T2/T3) to bypass the lights for priority access onto the freeway.

What to do when traffic lights are not working

First things first – don’t panic! When the lights are out, flashing yellow or just not working properly, simply approach the intersection with caution and courtesy, giving way to any vehicles approaching from the right. If you’re turning right, remember to give way to both oncoming traffic and traffic on your right.

When it’s safe to, you might also want to report the problem. You can do this by:

• locating the pale green or grey box at the side of the intersection and noting the intersection identification number
• calling VicRoads on 13 11 70 and quoting the identification number.

Do you stop or slow down at yellow lights?

Drivers’ behaviour suggests they think of the yellow light as an extension of the green, rather than as a warning to stop at the imminent red. A better way to think of the yellow is that it is at the start of the red, not at the end of the green.

A yellow light is not a signal to travel faster through the intersection to beat the red light. You must not travel through a yellow traffic light if you're able to stop safely before the stop line. If you can’t safely stop before the stop line, you must stop before entering the intersection itself.

If you’ve already entered the intersection when the light turns yellow or red, you must exit the intersection as soon as you can safely do so.

Keep in mind, just because you’ve crossed the stop line, does not necessarily mean you have entered the intersection. At this point, our recommendation would be that you stop.

Check out our Youtube video on Traffic Lights for more.

Anticipating light changes

RACV’s Drive School Manager, Peter Phillips, suggests that the “traffic and environment should be considered when deciding if it’s safe or not to stop. Learner drivers should exercise caution, learn to anticipate light changes and prepare to stop rather than prepare to race through”.

RACV receives many calls regarding red light camera infringements. Much of the time, the driver has decided they can continue through the intersection on the yellow light, misjudging either the traffic speed, the length of time it takes to get to the stop line or the length of the yellow light.

The trigger for a red-light camera is located just over the stop line and is activated 0.5 seconds after the yellow light changes to red. So in order to get a red-light camera fine, you have not stopped during the yellow and have gone through the red half a second too late.

Do not block the intersection

If the traffic ahead has not cleared the intersection or there is not enough room for your vehicle to reach the other side without blocking the intersection, do not enter the intersection.

By blocking the intersection, drivers delay traffic including emergency vehicles as well as risk substantial penalties.  Watch our video on blocking an intersection for further information.

Pedestrians make up the largest group of road users. Whether it’s walking to school or work, at some time or another everyone is a pedestrian.

Pedestrians can be some of society’s most vulnerable, including children and the elderly, which is why it’s important to build awareness around pedestrian safety. In 2020 alone, there were 138 pedestrians killed in road accidents, according to Road Safety. This is too many.

Pedestrian responsibilities

Pedestrians are classified as those that are on foot, push a bicycle or travel on wheeled devices such as skateboards, wheelchairs and motorised mobility devices. Below we cover a few pedestrian responsibilities and rules that need to be followed to help to keep all road users are safe.

What are the pedestrian crossing road rules?

When crossing a road, a pedestrian must:

• cross by the shortest safe route; and
• not stay on the road longer than necessary to cross safely.

What are the rules at pedestrian crossings with lights?

If the pedestrian lights show a red pedestrian light and the pedestrian has not already started crossing the intersection or road, the pedestrian must not start to cross until the pedestrian lights change to green.

What are the rules for pedestrians on the road?

When walking on the road, a pedestrian must not cause a traffic hazard or obstruction by:

• moving into the path of a driver; or
• unreasonably obstructing the path of any driver or another pedestrian.

A pedestrian must not travel along a road if there is a footpath or nature strip adjacent to the road, unless it is impracticable to travel on the footpath or nature strip.

Do pedestrians have right of way in Australia?

It’s not just pedestrians who need to adhere to crossing rules; there are rules for drivers as well. This includes a little-known rule that drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing the road into which their vehicles are turning. In other words, drivers must keep a proper look out and give way to pedestrians if there is a danger of collision, even when there is no marked pedestrian crossing. This law giving pedestrians rights applies whether or not there are traffic lights, stop signs or give way signs.

If you have been injured as a pedestrian while crossing a road without looking, while distracted, or drunk, this doesn’t necessarily prevent you from receiving compensation for your injuries. We encourage you to still speak to one of our motor vehicle claim experts to determine your legal rights and potential entitlements.

Distracted walking or “Zombie” walkers

With the arrival of smartphones, we have seen the rise of “zombie” walkers – pedestrians who are engrossed in their devices rather than what’s going on around them. Just like driving, pedestrians need to be aware of their surroundings, especially when crossing the road. A pedestrian walking blindly into the path of oncoming cars can have devastating consequences.

Our tip: Try to avoid looking at your phone while you’re walking, especially near roads. If you do need to look at it, make sure you stop and move out of the way of drivers and other pedestrians. Stay alert.

Intoxicated pedestrians

We all know the dangers of driving after drinking alcohol, but walking home along a road whilst intoxicated can also be dangerous. Drinking can reduce your capacity for balance and dull your awareness of your surroundings – a dangerous combination when near traffic.

Our tip: If you are going out and planning to drink alcohol, you should have a plan of how to get home safely. Either take a taxi or rideshare service or, if you’re determined to walk, make sure you have someone sober to accompany you.

Injured on the road? Contact Shine Lawyers

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident caused by a car, motorcycle, bus, train or tram, our team of Pedestrian Compensation Claim Experts may be able to help.

Sometimes it can be unclear whether the driver or pedestrian are at fault which is why it is important to seek legal advice about your circumstances and prospect of success in bringing a claim.

Our experienced legal team have helped thousands of clients make compensation claims on a No Win No Fee basis*.

Using our claim check tool below, you can determine whether you are eligible to claim, for free, either online or with the help of our team members.

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