“In this lesson you will learn about yellow box junctions. The key points are:
– Recognising a yellow box junction
– Using the hazard routine when approaching
– Turning right where there is a yellow box
– Safety checks after the junction
Where there is a yellow box painted on the road surface at a junction, you must not enter the box unless your exit is clear. Keeping the yellow hatched area clear allows the free flow of traffic and prevents the junction from becoming blocked.
Here the yellow box is shown at traffic lights, however you will also find the boxes painted on the road in many other situations.
As with all junctions, use your hazard routine when approaching. As soon as you have become aware of the junction, check your mirrors and ask yourself “What are the drivers behind doing?” and “Is it safe to slow down in this situation?” You will also be asking yourself “Will I be able to enter the yellow box when I arrive at the junction?”
This driver is turning right and gives an early right turn signal to help other road users position. For the right turn, this driver takes up a normal right turn position just left of centre line. You must always be able to stop safely before a yellow box if your exit is not clear. At a red or amber traffic light, you must be able to stop safely behind the stop line. If the lights are green, you can continue, but, with the exception fo some right urn situations, you must not enter the yellow box unless your exit road is clear.
You must not enter the yellow hatched area unless you have a clear exit, however you can enter and wait in the box if your exit is only blocked by approaching vehicles. Here, the car waits outside the box until the exit is clear, that is, until the white car moves. The car then moves into the box and waits for the red car to pass before turning safely.
After passing through the junction, check your mirrors and ask yourself whether it is safe to increase your speed. If it’s safe, gently accelerate up to a safe driving speed to suit the condition and speed limit.”
