Drivers could be at risk of a fine of up to £130 for stopping on one road marking common across the UK. Road markings are put in place to help guide motorists on what they can and cannot do in that particular area.
For example, some road markings help to tell drivers what lane they should be in or where they are not allowed to park. Motorists shouldn’t ignore these road markings, as not only could it increase the risk of an accident, but it could also result in fines and other legal issues. Yellow box junctions are another common road marking that regularly lands drivers in trouble.
These yellow square markings with a criss-cross pattern signal to drivers that they should not stop within this area, although there are some exceptions.
Failure to comply with this road marking can lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of up to £130 in London and £70 everywhere else, according to RAC. This fine is typically issued when a vehicle has stopped in the yellow box junction, causing congestion at a busy intersection.
However, in many instances, you may be able to avoid the full fine by paying a reduced 50% rate within the first 14 days.
Exceptions to yellow box junction rules
While vehicles are generally not allowed to be stationary in a yellow box junction, there is one key exception to this. According to Rule 174 of the Highway Code, motorists should not enter the box until their exit road or lane is clear.
It continues: “However, you may enter the box and wait when you want to turn right, and are only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right. At signalled roundabouts you MUST NOT enter the box unless you can cross over it completely without stopping.”
Challenging a yellow box fine
If you receive a fine for an alleged yellow box junction violation, you could appeal against it. In fact, there are a wide range of reasons you may be able to give that could help you avoid a fine.
For instance, one driver recounted that her exit was unobstructed when she entered the yellow box at lane two, but as she proceeded, a vehicle from lane one shifted into her path, preventing her from clearing the junction.
Her story, backed by CCTV evidence, saw her appeal granted.
Another motorist argued that upon entering the box, there was ample room to complete their exit provided the cars ahead kept progressing; however, they were blocked by a car cutting across from the offside lane, forcing them to stop in the junction – this appeal was also upheld.
You can find many more instances where appeals were either accepted or rejected on Yellow Box Guru here.
