A road marking
Box junction
A box junction is the criss-cross of yellow lines painted at a junction. The rule is simple: don't enter unless your exit is clear - block it and you can be fined.
01
What it means
The yellow box marks a junction that must be kept clear. You must not enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear, so you never stop inside it and block cross-traffic (Highway Code Rule 174). The one exception is when you're turning right: you may move into the box and wait if the only thing stopping you is oncoming traffic, or other vehicles waiting to turn right.
At signal-controlled roundabouts you must be able to cross the box completely without stopping. Whether you've broken the rule is judged on the conditions when you enter - if your exit was clear and then unexpectedly closed, that's different.
02
Where you'll see it
Busy junctions, especially where a queue could block a crossing - common across London. On TfL 'red routes' and in many boroughs they're camera-enforced.
03
On your driving test
On your driving test, stopping inside a box junction when your exit isn't clear is a fault, and it's an easy one to avoid: only move forward when you can see you'll clear the far side. Hold back at the line and wait if the traffic ahead is queuing.
Fines and penalties
Stopping in a box junction when you shouldn't is a civil penalty (a PCN), not penalty points and not a criminal offence. In London it's typically £160, halved to £80 if you pay within 14 days (some borough roads are lower, around £130); it rises to a £240 charge certificate if you ignore it.
Outside London, councils that have taken on 'moving traffic' enforcement powers (available since 2022) can issue a PCN of up to £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. Not every council enforces box junctions, so it depends where you are.
Quick answers
Can you ever stop in a box junction?
Yes, in one case: when you're turning right and the only thing stopping you is oncoming traffic (or other vehicles waiting to turn right). Otherwise you must not enter until your exit is clear.
How much is a box junction fine?
It's a civil penalty, not points. In London typically £160 (£80 if paid within 14 days). Outside London, up to £70 (£35 within 21 days) where the council enforces it.
Do you get points for a box junction?
No. A box-junction contravention is a penalty charge notice (PCN), a civil penalty - not penalty points, and it doesn't go on your driving licence.
Rules and meanings from the Highway Code (gov.uk).
Last updated:
Start with a first lesson.