Signals, Traffic Lights and Lane Signals 手號、交通燈及行車線燈號

Signals 信號

Give a signal when it would help or warn other road users. It must be correct, clear and given in good time, and you should make sure your direction indicator is cancelled after a manoeuvre. Signals show only your own intentions, so never use them to instruct others.

Direction indicators show that you intend to move out or turn left or right. Red stop lights come on when you brake, showing that the vehicle is slowing down or stopping, and must not be confused with the rear lights, which are also red. Arm signals are used when direction indicators are not used, or when necessary to reinforce direction indicator signals and stop lights.

The horn may be used only to warn a person on or near a road of danger, and for no other reason. Headlamp flashing is also a warning. Pedal cyclists use a bell as a warning.

Signals from a police officer, traffic warden or other authorised person (such as authorised personnel at tunnel areas or control areas, or school crossing patrols) take precedence over all traffic signs, road markings and traffic light signals. Use common sense before relying on a signal from anyone else. When police officers or traffic wardens stop all traffic at a junction, you must not filter left or right until they signal you to do so. You must give way to ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles and others signalling their right-of-way with two-tone horns, sirens, or flashing white, red or blue lights.

Traffic Light Sequence and Meaning 交通燈的次序及意思

Green: you may cross the junction or crossing if it is safe, giving way to pedestrians still on the crossing. When approaching, do not accelerate before the lights, and check right, left and right again before entering the junction.

Amber: this follows green and means you must stop, unless you are so close to the junction or crossing that stopping suddenly might cause an accident. Red: this follows amber and means you must stop behind the 'Stop' line.

Red and amber together: you must remain stationary but may prepare to move off, crossing only when the green light shows and it is safe. Remember that amber alone means stop, and amber with red means get ready. Neither is a signal to go.

Secondary Traffic Lights, Green Arrows and Wig-wag Signals 輔助交通燈、箭嘴燈號及紅色警告閃燈

Besides the main traffic lights there are usually secondary traffic lights, normally on the opposite side of the junction (or crossing) and sometimes on the same side. If a main traffic light fails, for example its green lamp, you must obey the secondary traffic light as if it were the main one. Once clear of the 'Stop' line, continue with care without reference to the lights.

A green arrow showing while the red light is on means you may go in the direction of the arrow if it is safe, whatever the other lights show. If movement is allowed in only one direction, a green arrow may replace the full green light. Traffic signs may also qualify a green light, for example by banning a turn or requiring a certain direction. Where lanes have separate lights, obey only the lights for your lane.

At junctions with a right-turn pocket and an indicative right-turn green arrow, if the full green light is on and the arrow is off, right-turners may proceed into the pocket and wait for a safe gap in the opposing traffic, turning only when it is safe. If the arrow is on as well, opposing traffic has been stopped by a red light and you may turn right if safe.

Two red lights flashing alternately are an intermittent red light warning signal (wig-wag). All approaching vehicles must stop until both red lights have stopped flashing. These lights are used where traffic is stopped only infrequently, such as at fire station exits.

Lane Signals 行車線信號

Lane signals are often used in tunnel areas, control areas and on trunk roads/expressways. In normal conditions they are switched off or show a green downward arrow or green light. When an incident occurs, amber lights flash and the signal shows what action must be taken. Most overhead signals apply to one lane each, but some are placed on the roadside, the central reservation or the tunnel wall.

A green downward arrow, a green light or a blank face means you may proceed in the lane if it is safe. A flashing amber light warns of danger ahead, such as a traffic accident, an obstruction or adverse weather, so drive with caution and be prepared to stop.

A green diagonal downward arrow pointing left or right means you must leave the lane in the direction shown, without changing lanes suddenly and only when it is safe. If you reach the danger, obstruction or a red light before you can safely leave, stop and wait in that lane until it is safe to change lanes. A red cross or red light means you must not proceed beyond the signal in that lane.

Lane signals are there for safety. Always act on them, because danger may be present even if you cannot see the reason.