Yellow box junctions

In the video below you'll see when you're allowed to stop in a yellow box junction and when you should avoid stopping in a yellow box junction.

If you've been fined for stopping in a yellow box junction and want to fully understand the rules then the video below will help.

When must you not enter a yellow box junction?

You must not enter a yellow box junction unless your exit road is clear and you can drive straight through without stopping. This applies even when traffic lights are green. If vehicles are queuing on the far side, wait before the box until there is enough space for your vehicle to clear it completely.

The markings apply at all times. There is no exemption for slow-moving or congested traffic - if the exit is not clear, you must wait.

The right-turn exception.

The only situation in which you are permitted to stop within a yellow box junction is when you intend to turn right and are prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic or by other vehicles that are also waiting to turn right.

In this case you may move forward into the box and wait, provided your exit road, the road you intend to turn into, is clear. You must not enter if the road you are turning into is itself blocked, as this would simply cause you to obstruct the junction without being able to move.

On the driving test, approaching a yellow box junction correctly is assessed. Entering the box when your exit is not clear may result in a fault being recorded.