Driving Test Cancellations - What are Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs)?

Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs), often referred to as Bike boxes appear to be a source of confusion for many drivers on the road these days.

ASLs are a common sight at traffic lights around the UK and are designed to give cyclists a safe place to stop at busy junctions and allow them to be positioned ahead of other traffic so they have more time to move off when the lights change.

Is it illegal for motor vehicles to enter an ASL?

Yes and no (we told you ASLs were a source of confusion!). Motorists can receive three penalty points and a £100 fine if caught stopping inside the Advanced Stop Lines (ASL) when stopping at a red light.

From the Highway Code, rule 178: " including motorcyclists, MUST stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red and should avoid blocking the way or encroaching on the marked area at other times, e.g. if the junction ahead is blocked.

If your vehicle has proceeded over the first white line at the time that the signal goes red, you MUST stop at the second white line, even if your vehicle is in the marked area.

Allow cyclists time and space to move off when the green signal shows. "

Why the confusion?

The Highway Code states you must stop at the first white line but it offers an important exception to the rule - that if a vehicle enters the box while the lights are on green but is unable to clear the area before they turn to red – no offence has been committed.

The exception makes prosecuting offenders difficult.

PC James Aveling, a City bike patrol officer was once quoted in the Guardian newspaper explaining: " Booking cars which enter the zone is tricky, as it's not illegal if they stop in one if a light turns red as they're part-way in. Officers thus have to watch a driver creep in on an already red light. "

Common issues with ASLs

As is often the case, both sides must share some of the blame.

For example, there are plenty of occasions when motorists simply ignore the rules and drive straight up to the second solid white line at traffic lights. There are also times when cyclists put themselves in danger due to their own lack of understanding of ASLs.

Up until sometime in 2016, it was only legal for a cyclist to enter an ASL from the break in the solid white line, usually found as a small gap on the kerb-side edge. After the change, a cyclist can enter from any point.

The change itself creates confusion because it has not been well-publicised and also because it could be argued that it could be seen to encourage cyclists to put themselves in danger by weaving in and out of traffic to get into the ASL by any means.

The Cycling Embassy acknowledges the negatives of ASLs, stating there are "many disadvantages" such as the fact that they may encourage riders to filter past traffic when it may not be always safe, and to take up dangerous positions in front of HGVs and other vehicles with poor visibility.

Talking of common issues...

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Published: 29th July 2024