Did you know you can legally run a red light in Australia?
Yes, I’m sure that was the information you were hoping for, but of course this is only in specific conditions – such as allowing an emergency vehicle (police car, ambulance, fire truck) to pass.
While red pretty much always means stop, in this article we will cover when you can legally proceed through a red light in Australia.
This may help you if you’ve run a red light and received a fine, but legal technicalities mean the fine should be void.
Let’s break it down:
When can you legally drive through a Red Light in Australia?
Generally, running a red light is illegal and can earn you a hefty fine and demerit points.
But many Australian drivers are surprised to know it isn’t always illegal.
To start with simple, and more obvious cases, if you are directed by a police officer or authorised traffic controller, you are allowed to follow their instructions even if it means crossing a red light.
Temporary traffic lights at construction sites or special events can be driven through if a traffic warden is present and they wave you through – legally their direction takes precedence.
What about Emergency Vehicles?
This is the scenario Australian road users are fined for the most, when they shouldn’t be. If this is what has happened to you, you have a very good legal case to dispute the fine.
Let’s say you’re in the middle of an intersection, and an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens blazing. What should you do?
Move out of the way, right?
In these situations, running a red light is the sensible course of action. Whether a police car, ambulance, or fire truck needs to get passed you, the worst thing you can do is hold them up. Lives could be at stake.
In Australia, the law allows you to cautiously move through a red light to clear the way – but only if it’s safe and necessary to do so.
Did you know failing to give way to emergency vehicles can also lead to fines or charges?
Always remember, safety comes first.
Can you turn on Red?
Unlike in some countries, turning on a red light in Australia is mostly illegal. However, there are exceptions in states like Queensland and New South Wales, where you might spot a Turn Left on Red Permitted sign.
Without this sign? Stay put.
These signs are always accompanied by a white panel to avoid confusion, so keep an eye out.
What if traffic lights are malfunctioning?
You would think Australian traffic lights run like clockwork, but of. course this isn’t always the case.
If you approach an intersection when the traffic lights are completely blacked our or flashing, this means the signals are faulty. What should you do?
Your best course of action is to treat the intersection as a give-way or stop sign, but it does depend on the situation. Safety should always be your first priority.
Proceed cautiously and yield to vehicles already in the intersection.
Is it possible to get a fine in this situation?
Yes, of course.
It is worth keeping note of the date and time you drove through faulty traffic lights. This means, in the event of a fine dropping on your doorstep, you can accurately argue the date and time the traffic lights were faulty.
Is there a Red-Light Camera watching you?
I think it’s fair to say these days Big Brother is always watching.
Did you know Australia is packed with red-light cameras? They’re not forgiving, either.
Even if you’re passing through legally – like giving way to an ambulance , police car, or fire truck – these cameras can still snap a photo.
If you receive a fine in error, you can contest it by providing evidence of the circumstances.
Why should every road user understand these rules?
Understanding these exceptions isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s about keeping yourself and others safe. Many of us panic when an emergency vehicle comes speeding us behind us, lights flashing and sirens blaring. What decision would you make if you’re faced with a red light?
Knowing when and how you can proceed through a red light can prevent confusion and accidents.
So, next time you’re at a red light, remember the rules, check the signs, and proceed only if it’s lawful AND safe.
Have you experienced a situation where you weren’t sure what to do at a red light?
Let us know in the comments!