The traffic light facing you is red. What must you do?
Right.Not quite. The answer is A.
A red light means stop behind the line and wait, unless another signal such as a green arrow lets you go.
Source: Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 56
Signal · Traffic lights
Red traffic light
Stop behind the stop line and stay there until your signal changes.
Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 56Asked in general knowledgeAsked in road safetyShown in 5 practice questions
What it means
What does a red traffic light mean in NSW?
Our black signal head has three lamps stacked up: the red one at the top is lit and glowing, while the amber and green below are dark. Red means stop before the stop line and stay stopped. It holds at mid block pedestrian lights too, whether or not anyone has stepped out. You may only move if another signal, such as a green arrow, lets your direction go.
What to do
- 1
Stop behind the white stop line, not over it.
- 2
Wait for green, or a green arrow for your direction.
- 3
When green comes, check the cross street before moving.
Practice questions with this sign
You are waiting at this red light. It changes to green, but a car on the cross street is still coming fast. What should you do?
Right.Not quite. The answer is C.
A green light gives you the right to go, not a promise that the way is clear. Check before you enter.
Source: Safe driving practice
Common questions
- Can you turn left on a red light in NSW?
- Not unless a sign permits it after stopping, or a green arrow shows for your turn.
- Do I have to stop at red pedestrian lights if nobody is crossing?
- Yes. Red means stop at mid block pedestrian lights just as it does anywhere else.
More in traffic lights
Your L plate turns green when you would pass
NSW Learner is also an iPhone app, built on the same lessons and questions as this site. Short lessons for every topic, drills that bring back what you got wrong, and a mock exam in the test's layout, in your pocket and working without a signal.
- Free in the app: one full mock exam, and the speed limits and traffic signs and signals topics with their lessons, drills and 179 questions
- Private the app needs no account, works offline and keeps your progress on your phone
- Pro comes two ways, each bought separately. NSW Learner Pro on this website is A$14.99 one-time and works in any browser you sign in on. The app has its own Pro, bought inside the app through Apple. One does not unlock the other.
Independent study app. Not affiliated with Transport for NSW or Service NSW.