Are the temporary traffic lights on freeway ramps enforceable?

Nothing inspires bad driving behaviour quite like the temporary traffic lights that appear on freeway on-ramps to manage congestion when merging.

If you’ve ever pulled up at the ramp metering lights that operate in some states, you’ll notice some drivers treat them as the starting flag for a drag race, while others view them as a mere suggestion, sailing through while law-abiding citizens remain stationary.  

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These freeway traffic lights only operate in peak traffic periods in Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland, but all drivers should be aware of the related road rules when driving interstate. 

What you might be interested to learn is that while these lights operate on a temporary basis, they are just as enforceable as full-time traffic lights. 

Additionally, ignoring them could see drivers attract significant penalties from the relevant road authority in each state. 

Here’s what you need to know.

In Victoria, Road Rule 56 requires drivers to stop at red traffic lights – this includes traffic lights of a temporary nature.

The traffic lights at freeway entrances in Victoria are regarded as normal lights, meaning motorists must stop on a red signal and only proceed on a green signal. Additionally, only one vehicle in each lane can enter the freeway on a green signal.

Failure to comply with this road rule attracts a fine of $462. If this is challenged and the matter lands in court, the maximum penalty could amount to $1849.

Transport for New South Wales is still in the process of rolling out ramp metering infrastructure at freeway entrances.

As a result, the rules and penalties around this infrastructure are still in development. 

Despite the current absence of any clear-cut legislation, the best course of action is to obey the temporary lights as you would regular traffic lights.

Yes, temporary traffic lights are enforceable in Western Australia and obeying these signals is mandatory.

The penalty for ignoring these temporary traffic lights in WA is four penalty units – meaning a $200 fine – and two demerit points.

Yes, temporary traffic lights are enforceable in Queensland.

“Ramp metering lights are important to safely manage merging on congested motorways,” a Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson told Drive.

“These have the same regulatory effect as traffic lights. The penalty for disobeying a red light is $575 and three demerit points.”