Yellow Box Junction Fine

Yellow box junctions are a common sight all across the UK roads and play a crucial role in managing traffic flow. However, violating the rules associated with these junctions can result in a yellow box junction fine or worse penalty points depending on the outcome of the infraction. The fine is a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) that is issued by the police or local council. In this article, we will explore yellow box junction rules, time limits, penalties and costs, invalid junctions, the process of receiving a fine, and the significance of keeping your back wheels out of the yellow box.

Yellow Box Junction Rules

The exact quote from The Highway Code states:

Box junctions. These have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road. You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. 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.

The Highway Code – Road Junctions – Rule 174

These are pretty straight forward rules when it comes to box junctions.

Yellow Box Junction Time Limit

There is no time limit for how long you can wait in a yellow box junction. If you are caught in a yellow box junction, and your vehicle has come to a stop, you are in danger of receiving a yellow box junction fine. You should only enter if your exit is clear, and if traffic conditions prevent you from clearing the junction, you should wait until it is safe to proceed.

Again, the only time you can enter a yellow box junction and stop, is when you want to turn right and have to stop for oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right.

Yellow Box Junction Fine Cost

Currently London’s yellow box junction fine cost is £160, and if paid with 14 or 21 days (will say on the PCN), the amount will be reduced by 50% to £80. Other local councils may offer different initial costs, discounts and time limits to pay. It is always best to check with them directly.

Yellow Box Junction Penalty Points

If you are caught committing a box junction offence, you may initially face penalties that include a yellow box junction fine. However, if your actions of blocking a box junction ends up creating a more serious incident, such as an accident, you could end up receiving penalty points on your driving license.

Invalid Yellow Box Junctions

In some cases, yellow box junctions may be incorrectly marked or not compliant with the necessary regulations. If you believe that a yellow box junction is invalid or incorrectly enforced, it is advisable to consult with local authorities or seek legal advice. Validating the legitimacy of a yellow box junction can help you dispute any fines or penalties you have received.

The Traffic Signs Manual – Chapter 5 – Road Markings document from the government has some good points regarding the specification road marking need to meet in order for them to be effective.

Section 1.7 – Visibility – This section outlines the visibility specification for road markings. This includes things such as:

• Road markings need to be visible during daytime and nighttime.
• Drivers need to be able to see and react to the road markings at a distance equal to at least two seconds of travel time.
• A wider line, higher mark-to-gap ratio and a higher coefficient of retroreflected luminance improve visibility.It is increased
• Glare from oncoming vehicles, poor headlamp condition, dirty windscreen, weather conditions and age reduce visibility.

Section 8 – Yellow Box Junction Markings – This section outlines the legal aspects, design and layout, suitability and setting out of yellow box junctions.

So if you feel the markings were inadequate and didn’t meet the requirements of the document, you may have a good reason to appeal the PCN.

How Long Does it Take for a Yellow Box Fine to Come Through?

The process of receiving a yellow box junction fine typically involves an automatic enforcement system, such as traffic cameras. Once a violation is recorded, the relevant authorities will send a Notice To Keeper (NTK) to the registered keeper of the vehicle. The

A PCN issued for breaking the rules in a yellow box junction is covered by The Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions law. Unfortunately, this law stipulates that the registered keeper is liable for payment of the charge.

The Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions – Regulation 10 states that a PCN can not be sent later than 28 days from the date on which the contravention occurred. However, they usually arrive within 14 days of the offence. After receiving the NTK, you have a specified period to respond, providing the necessary information or challenging the fine if appropriate.

Back Wheels in the Yellow Box

When approaching a yellow box junction, it is essential to ensure that your vehicle does not obstruct the junction, including keeping your back wheels out of the yellow box. Having your back wheels could be seen as obstructing the junction and the possibility of a receiving a yellow box junction fine increases. By keeping your back wheels outside the yellow box, you can avoid a fine and help maintain the smooth movement of vehicles through the junction.

Yellow Box Junction Fine Appeal

As a yellow box junction fine is covered by The Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions law, it is harder to get out of paying it, but not impossible. It is aways best to view and scrutinise the photo and/or video evidence that will be accessible through the council’s portal. Some points that will provide good grounds for appealing are:

• As the registered keeper of the vehicle, you have received a PCN in the post, but you weren’t the driver at the time of the offence. You can appeal the PCN and put in the correct driver details.
• Is any of the information on the PCN is incorrect, such as the date, time, street name, vehicle registration, etc.
• Make sure the yellow box junction is compliant, such as visibility and design.
• Were you forced to stop due to an obstacle such as pedestrian, cyclist, an animal, etc.

TLDR: Yellow Box Junction Fine

• You can only stop in a yellow box junction if you want to turn right, and are stopped from doing so by by other vehicles waiting to turn right or oncoming traffic;
• There is no time limit for how long you can wait in a yellow box junction;
• If you block a yellow box junction which results in creating a more serious incident, you could end up receiving penalty points;
• A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) can not be sent later than 28 days from the date on which the contravention occurred;
• Even if your back wheels are only in the yellow box junction, it can still be seen as an obstruction and you could receive a PCN.

Sources used to write this article:

• The Highway Code – Road Junctions
• London PCN Cost
• The Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions
• The Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions – Regulation 10