DKT- Red: stop and do not enter the intersection.
- Yellow: stop unless you cannot do so safely.
- Green: you may enter, but not if you would block the intersection.
- Lights not working or flashing yellow: treat it as an uncontrolled intersection.
The three lights
| Light | What it means |
|---|---|
| Red | Stop. Do not enter the intersection. |
| Yellow | Stop, unless you are unable to do so safely. |
| Green | You may go into the intersection, but only if you will not block it. |
A green light can turn yellow or red before you get to the intersection, so drive at a speed that lets you stop safely. Half of all crashes happen at intersections, so stay alert.
Arrows
If the arrow pointing the way you want to go is red, you must stop. If it is green you may go that way when it is safe.
Signals for trams, buses and bicycles
- A white T or B on a black background is for trams or buses at some intersections. When it shows, the tram or bus may go and you must wait.
- Some lights have red, yellow and green bicycle lights for bicycle riders. Other road users wait for the normal green light.
Pedestrians
- When turning, you must always give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering, whether or not the walking figure is showing to them.
- Pedestrian lights are sometimes away from intersections and generally work like normal lights. At crossings with a When Flashing Give Way To Pedestrians sign you may go when the yellow starts flashing, but only if you give way to anyone still on the crossing.
- Elderly people may not finish crossing in the time the lights allow, so be patient.
If the lights are not working
If the lights are out or flashing yellow, give way as at any intersection with no lights, signs or lines. That mostly means giving way to vehicles on your right: see give way rules at intersections.
Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
What does a yellow traffic light mean in Victoria?
Stop, unless you are unable to stop safely.
What do you do when traffic lights are not working in Victoria?
Give way as you would at any other uncontrolled intersection. The same applies if the lights are flashing yellow.
Do turning drivers give way to pedestrians at traffic lights?
Yes. When you turn, you must always give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering, whether or not the walking figure is showing.