You must deal with box junctions sooner or later. There are crossroads, T-junctions, unclear junctions, ones with traffic lights or filters.
The box junction is one of the more challenging forms, while some are simpler to manoeuvre than others.
Baffled or scared of going up to the terrifying yellow box?
As long as you are familiar with a few important box junction rules, they are actually rather easy to navigate, as explained in our guide.
What is a Yellow Box Junction?
Yellow box junctions are used to control traffic flow, therefore they’re typically located at busier junctions or T-junctions.
Even in areas with additional traffic control devices, such as traffic lights, you could probably find it impossible to drive.
Box junctions play a key role in preventing traffic when everyone complies with the rules. Road markings indicate box junctions.
That’s right, in addition to looking at the road as if traffic signs weren’t enough! Yellow hatching that is crisscrossed creates the “box.”
It creates a space that needs to be kept free at all times in order for traffic to go as smoothly as possible.
What if I Get Stuck on The Yellow Hatchings?
Not only is it against the law to become stuck in a box junction, but it may also be very annoying for other drivers. You’ll be clogging up traffic coming from other ways, forcing motorists to make risky manoeuvres to get around you.
But, as we are all aware, mistakes do occasionally occur.
Box Junction Rules
The Highway Code is a great resource for information on all driving regulations. Box junctions are covered under rule 174 in this situation. The rule’s first clause reads:
“You MUST WAIT until your exit road or lane is clear before entering the box.”
This typically means that you cannot stop inside the box. There is one circumstance when this rule does not apply: when you intend to turn right. Let’s see how the law functions in real-life situations.
Turning Left or Going Straight
You must be able to drive through the box and emerge on the other side right away while turning left or continuing straight.
In reality, this means that you should always glance in the direction you want to go when you approach a box junction.
- Consider whether your car can pass the box if there is a line of stopped traffic on the road you want to join before continuing.
- If traffic is moving smoothly, make sure any vehicles in front of you can pass through the box junction and confirm that you can as well.
Turning Right
Only when making a right turn are you permitted to stop in a yellow box. Even if it may be necessary to wait for a break in oncoming traffic before turning, you must still ensure your exit way clear.
You must remain in the box until it is safe to turn right if such is the case.
- Drive carefully in the centre of the box until you are ready to begin your right turn to position your vehicle. Ahead traffic will be expecting you to be stopped in your lane, so be careful not to cross into their path.
- You can turn right and leave the yellow box when there is a safe space in the incoming traffic. When there is heavy traffic and the intersection is controlled by filter traffic signals, you might need to wait for the right arrow to illuminate before you can turn safely.
FAQs
When your traffic signal goes red, you can still make your turn if you’re waiting to turn right at a box junction. In fact, taking advantage of the pause in traffic before the opposite traffic signals turn green is the safest course of action. In this way, you won’t obstruct traffic or slow down other motorists.
At busy intersections, cameras are frequently placed, and if there is a yellow box there, they can take pictures of automobiles that improperly stop inside the hatching. Yes, you will probably receive a fine if detected. How quickly you pay and where in the nation you are apprehended will determine how much you ultimately pay.