Definition
Traffic lights regulate traffic at intersections, pedestrian crossings, level crossings and reversible lanes. The main lights are: red (mandatory stop), steady amber (stop if you can do so safely), green (proceed with care), flashing amber (caution, may pass), and flashing red (temporary prohibition in the current Annex I, section 4 contexts: level crossing, movable bridge, ferry pontoon, exit for fire-extinguishing vehicles or low aircraft approach).
Flashing red: when you must stop
A flashing red light, or two red lights flashing alternately, temporarily prohibits passage before a level crossing, at the entrance to a movable bridge or ferry pontoon, near an exit for fire-extinguishing vehicles, or when an aircraft is approaching at low altitude. It is not a caution signal: stop and wait until the prohibition ends. Source: Annex I, section 4, of Spain's Reglamento General de Circulación as effective after Royal Decree 465/2025, consulted on 20 September 2026: https://www.boe.es/eli/es/rd/2025/06/10/465.
Key facts
- Article 133 order: officers; temporary signs and beaconing, delineation devices and beaconing signs; traffic lights; vertical signs; road markings.
- Steady amber: stop before the light unless you're so close braking would be unsafe.
- Red: mandatory stop before the stop line, or before entering the intersection if no line.
- Running a red light: serious offence, €200 fine and 4 points.
Practice real questions on this topic
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In the DGT exam
- When approaching an older person crossing the road, what should you bear in mind?
- What does a red light in the shape of a stationary pedestrian on a traffic light indicate to pedestrians?
- At signalled intersections, what is the general rule that prevails?