Traffic law: When things can get expensive despite the correct traffic lights – guide from the Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung

Berlin (dpa/tmn) – What the traffic lights mean should be clear to everyone. But in some cases it’s not that easy. When do I have to expect a fine? Why can I sometimes run a red light? And what do I actually do if the traffic light goes out? The Auto Club Europa (ACE) explains this.

Be careful with green and yellow

When the traffic light is green, you can’t always just drive off. You have to keep your eyes open: the general duty of care applies. This means: You still have to stop when pedestrians are still crossing the street. Or if you are driving at an intersection with slow traffic and could therefore pose an obstacle. If you generally stop traffic, you risk a fine of 35 euros.

If the traffic light is yellow, you usually have to stop. You can only continue driving if it is not possible to brake safely. If you are caught, you will be fined 10 euros.

When the traffic light is red

Running a red light is punished in two ways. If you continue driving for a maximum of one second after the traffic light turns red, it is a simple red light violation. You then face a fine of at least 90 euros and one point in Flensburg.

A qualified violation occurs if more than a second passes afterwards. In this case you can expect a fine of at least 200 euros, two points in Flensburg and even a driving ban of one month. If other road users are at risk, the amount of money can be even higher.

Only in emergencies are you allowed to run a red light, for example to make room for emergency vehicles passing through, as long as you don’t block traffic.

Cyclists and pedestrians also need to be careful

The situation is similar with bicycles, explains the ACE. Regardless of whether the normal traffic light or the cyclist traffic light was run red: the violations are assessed the same. However, a simple violation only costs 60 euros, and a serious red light violation costs 100 euros. Once again, the fine increases if other road users are endangered.

Pedestrians also need to be careful. Anyone who crosses the street at a red light has to pay 5 euros if he or she is caught doing so. If this results in an accident, even 10 euros. If you change the street in the immediate vicinity of the traffic lights, this can also be assessed as a violation.

When the traffic lights aren’t gold-plated

Green arrow signs are an exception for drivers. While normally light signals – such as traffic lights – have priority over traffic signs, that does not apply here. If one of these signs is hanging on the traffic light, drivers are also allowed to turn when the traffic light is red. Do you have to stop briefly and make sure that you can continue driving safely – also like with a stop sign? Nevertheless. If you don’t stop, you face a 70 euro fine and one point in Flensburg. The ACE points out that if you see a green light arrow, you don’t have to stop.

If the traffic light goes out, the local traffic police are the most helpful. The police officers give hand signals to replace the traffic lights. If you see them from behind or in front, with both arms stretched out to the sides, it means red. That’s why there is the motto: “If you see your chest and back, you have to press the brakes.”