FineFlip Guide
Went Through on Amber: Can You Get Fined?
Many drivers worry after crossing a traffic light on amber, especially if they saw a camera flash. The key legal point is that the offence is crossing on red, not on amber. If you entered the junction while the light was still amber and could not safely stop, you have not committed an offence. This guide explains the nuances.
Got a NIP after going through on amber?
The camera photographs should show the light colour. FineFlip checks the evidence.
Check my appeal freeThe law on amber lights
The Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Traffic Signs Regulations make it clear: the offence is failing to comply with a red traffic signal. An amber light means "stop" if you can do so safely before the stop line. If you have already crossed the stop line, or if stopping would be dangerous (e.g., a vehicle close behind you), proceeding through amber is not an offence.
When cameras trigger
Red light cameras are designed to trigger only after the light turns red. The system records the time gap between the red signal activating and the vehicle crossing the sensor. If this gap is zero or negative (meaning the vehicle crossed before or at the exact moment of red), the evidence may not support prosecution.
The amber phase defence
Department for Transport guidelines recommend a minimum amber phase of 3 seconds. If the amber phase at the junction was shorter than this, you may not have had sufficient time to stop safely. You can request the traffic light timing data from the highway authority.
What the photographs show
Red light camera photographs typically include: the traffic signal state (red), a timestamp, your vehicle position relative to the stop line, and the time elapsed since the light turned red. If the photograph shows the light was amber, or the time elapsed is extremely short (under 1 second), this supports a challenge.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to go through an amber light?
Technically, you should stop at an amber light unless you have already crossed the stop line or stopping would be unsafe. However, it is not an offence to cross on amber if you could not safely stop in time. The offence is crossing on red.
Can a red light camera catch you on amber?
Red light cameras only activate when the light turns red. If you crossed the stop line while the light was amber, the camera should not have triggered. If it did, the photographs will show the light was still amber, which is your defence.
How long is the amber phase?
In the UK, the amber phase at traffic lights is typically 3 seconds. At higher-speed junctions, it may be longer. If the amber phase was shorter than the Department for Transport guidelines, this can support an appeal.