You approach a junction on your CBR exam and the light turns yellow. Suddenly every metre feels extremely important.
Your brain would love one universal answer. The road has given you distance, speed and traffic behind instead.
Yellow means stop, with one important exception
Under RVV 1990 Article 68(1)(b), steady yellow means stop, except when you are so close that stopping is no longer reasonably possible. The question is the actual, safe stopping opportunity at your speed and distance, not whether you can cross the line before red.
Make the decision before you reach the line
As you approach a green light, monitor the space ahead and the traffic behind. Avoid accelerating just to beat a change of colour. When the light turns yellow, make one controlled decision based on whether you can reasonably stop. If you can stop, brake progressively and remain behind the stop line. If you genuinely cannot stop reasonably, continue without sudden acceleration.
What if you are already in the junction?
Once lawfully inside, keep driving safely to clear the intersection; do not stop abruptly in the middle because the signal behind you changed. Also check that there is space beyond the junction before entering: RVV article 14 prohibits blocking a junction, even when your light is green.
Train the decision, not a number
There is no universal “three seconds from the light” answer. Stopping distance varies with speed, grip, weather, vehicle and following traffic. On lessons, discuss different approach speeds and where the stopping point would be. Rehearse the distinction between a controlled stop and a panic brake.
Assessment: CBR Rijprocedure B, responding to traffic lights.
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Practise the decision before the light changes
Use the free practice situation to work on anticipation and timing rather than guessing when yellow means you can continue.
Try the free practical test