Drivers have been warned that they can face a fine of £100 while stopped at a red light. 

While it is common knowledge that running a red light could see a motorist land a fine, many drivers will be surprised to learn that you can also be penalised while waiting at a light. 

This is due to Advanced stop lines (ASL). 

ASL boxes are commonplace in cities and some towns and are designed for cyclists to have a safe place amongst traffic to stop at the lights. 

These boxes give cyclists a spot ahead of cars so they can safely start moving again when the lights hit green. 

Drivers can face a fine of £100 and handed three penalty points if they are caught in them. 

This applies to scooters and motorbikes too restricting the box. 

If the car is stationary and you slowly move into the box while the lights are red, police officers can issue you with a fine.

One caveat is that you’re okay to stay in the box if the lights did change and slamming on the brakes to avoid it would be dangerous. 

In the Highway Code it states: “Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cycles to be positioned ahead of other traffic. 

“Motorists, 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.”

In addition to avoiding parking or stopping in the box you should also not approach and enter the box if traffic is blocked ahead.