Italian category B road test: what to do at an amber light

At a steady amber light, the rule is to stop before the stop line. You may continue only if, when the light changes, you are so close that stopping safely is not possible. On the Italian B road test, judge distance and conditions without accelerating to beat the red light.

The rule and its exception

Article 41 says amber warns that green is about to end and vehicles must stop before the stop line. The exception is for a driver who is so close when amber appears that they cannot stop safely. It is not an invitation to drive through quickly: the decision depends on distance, current speed, road surface and traffic behind.

Imagine amber appears while you are still far enough away to brake smoothly: stop before the line. If the light changes when you are already under the signal, or sudden braking would create a real danger, continue without speeding up and clear the junction carefully. There is no single stopping distance to memorise for every vehicle and road condition.

What the examiner can observe

The examiner assesses compliance with lights as part of overall vehicle control. Keep a speed that lets you react and watch the signal as you approach. Do not confuse steady amber with a flashing green signal, which has a different meaning, and do not enter a junction if you cannot clear it. If you stop, remain behind the line and watch the next signal phase.

Practise the choice between stopping and continuing with your instructor in different, controlled situations. Accelerating to “beat the red” is not appropriate; neither is violent braking when that is unsafe. After a practice drive, explain what shaped the decision: stopping room, grip, traffic behind and space to clear the junction.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale lets you review Italian traffic lights with quizzes.