This website is optimised to work with the most recent version of your browser software. make sure your browser is always updated to view the internet as it's supposed to be seen. Internet Explorer | Firefox
Traffic Signs
Oct 25, 2010
I only proceeded beyond the line with front tyres and then stopped
Your road traffic offence question: Hello Emma
I was driving a van and approaching traffic lights. They turned amber and my initial reaction was that I had enough time to continue through.
However, they turned red and I had to instantly decide that I could not continue driving. I stopped and the van did not go through the red lights, but rather crossed the white line and stopped completely.
I think only the front wheels crossed and not the back ones.
The police have offered a course or fixed penalty with 3 points. I feel I have commited no crime. I did not drive through. I stopped.
Please could you advise me?
Many thanks for your time Emma.
I was driving a van and approaching traffic lights. They turned amber and my initial reaction was that I had enough time to continue through.
However, they turned red and I had to instantly decide that I could not continue driving. I stopped and the van did not go through the red lights, but rather crossed the white line and stopped completely.
I think only the front wheels crossed and not the back ones.
The police have offered a course or fixed penalty with 3 points. I feel I have commited no crime. I did not drive through. I stopped.
Please could you advise me?
Many thanks for your time Emma.
Category: Traffic Signs
Posted by: patterson
Thank you for your question.
You have a defence to going through on amber if you can show that it was not safe to stop. It is an offence for any part of your vehicle to proceed across the stop line whilst the lights are on red - so if you front wheels went across on red then you wont have a defence,. If you front wheels went across open amber you may have a defence if it was not safe to stop.
The fact that you did not go completely through means that you have a potential special reasons argument. Have you asked to see the photos? be careful with this one because you don't want to lose the offer of the course if ultimately you have to accept the allegation.
Ask a Free Question
If you have a court hearing date call 01626 359800
Latest News View all news
Apr 4, 2012
Category: General
Posted by: patterson
Possibly our best day ever at Patterson!!
8 Cases defended/points avoided/withdrawn in one day.
[More]
Mar 29, 2012
Category: General
Posted by: patterson
Do not use online letter packs that claim to "Get yourself off a Speeding Ticket - Guaranteed!"
No two cases are the same. You must not mislead the police. A pro forma letter is not necessarily going to be relevant to the cirmcumstances of your case.
The road traffic police have seen them all a thousand times before.
[More]
Dec 23, 2011
Category: General
Posted by: patterson
This case represents our toughest battle to date. It was a battle at every stage involving Magistrates, District Judges, Court Clerks, Cps lawyers and Crown Court Judges. The argument was all about whether a road was public or private.
[More]