Red Light Cameras and Amber Light Rules in Western Australia
“Did I just get flashed?” — it’s the question almost every driver in Western Australia has asked at least once after going through an amber light, or worse, just as it turns red.
It’s an anxious moment. You see that flash in the rear-view mirror and instantly wonder: Am I about to cop a fine? In this article (and the video below), I break down exactly how red light cameras work in WA, when you can legally enter on amber, and why understanding these rules is essential to staying safe and fine-free on our roads. How do red light cameras work in WA, and why is it legal to enter on an amber light?
The Truth About Red Light Cameras in WA
In Western Australia, red light cameras don’t give you a grace period. That’s right, less than one second after the light turns red, if you cross the stop line, you’ll trigger the camera and likely receive a fine.
As of March 2024, the penalty for running a red light in WA is $300 and three demerit points. It doesn’t matter whether you’re distracted, rushing, or “just a fraction late” — the system is automatic and unforgiving.
But here’s the part many drivers misunderstand: entering on amber is perfectly legal — if it’s safe to do so.
How Long Does an Amber Light Last?
In most intersections across Western Australia, the amber (yellow) light lasts around 4.5 seconds. That’s more than enough time to decide whether to stop or proceed safely, depending on your speed and distance from the stop line.
Let’s break it down:
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If you’re close to the intersection and braking suddenly would cause danger to you or other drivers — especially if a heavy vehicle is right behind you — it’s safer to proceed through the amber.
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If you have enough distance to stop safely and smoothly, do so before reaching the line.
What you shouldn’t do is accelerate aggressively to “beat the red.” That’s when most fines (and crashes) occur.
Real Example: Three Drivers, Three Different Outcomes
In my recent video, I show real footage that captures this scenario perfectly.
✅ Car 1 (a 4WD) entered on amber — no fine.
✅ Car 2 (a taxi) also entered on amber — no fine.
❌ Car 3 crossed the stop line just under one second after it turned red — fined.
That single second made all the difference. The driver of the third car, a friend of mine, didn’t think they’d done anything wrong until the fine arrived. It cost them $300 and three demerit points.
They weren’t trying to run the light — it was simply a moment of misjudgement. And that’s the key lesson: these cameras don’t care about your intentions.
What Counts as “Entering on Red”?
This is where many drivers get confused. You won’t get fined for seeing red while already moving through the intersection — the offence only occurs when you cross the stop line after the light has turned red.
In other words, if the light goes red after you’ve already entered, you’re in the clear.
But if the light is already red before your front wheels reach the line, you’ve committed an offence.
Understanding this subtle distinction can save you from unnecessary fines and, more importantly, help you make safer driving decisions.
Why I Made This Video
One of the main reasons I published this video was that many drivers, including some who’ve been driving for years, still misunderstand the rules regarding amber and red lights.
But there’s another reason too. I revisited a short clip I posted last month that wasn’t even about amber lights — it was about a driver who failed to give way, forcing us into the right lane.
Despite the video focusing on that give-way situation, the comment section exploded with confusion about the amber light and red light rules. Many people criticised me for something that wasn’t even the point of the video — and in doing so, revealed just how widespread these misconceptions are.
That was the real motivation behind this new post and video: to educate, clarify, and help WA drivers understand the rules correctly.
Common Misconceptions About Amber and Red Lights
Here are some of the most frequent misunderstandings I’ve seen in comments, messages, and lessons:
❌ “Amber means stop no matter what.”
Not true. The amber signal means prepare to stop if it’s safe to do so. If stopping would put you or others in danger, you are legally allowed to proceed.
❌ “If I see red while I’m in the intersection, I’ll get fined.”
Again, incorrect. The camera only triggers when your vehicle crosses the stop line after the light turns red.
❌ “There’s a one-second grace period after red.”
No. In Western Australia, there’s no grace period. Less than a second after the red light, the camera activates.
The Real Cost of Misunderstanding the Rules
Beyond the financial penalty, red light infringements can have bigger consequences.
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Three demerit points might not seem like much, but they add up quickly.
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If you’re on a provisional licence, it could mean suspension.
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And if you’re a professional driver, it could affect your livelihood.
Even more importantly, misunderstanding the rules can lead to dangerous last-second decisions — abrupt braking, rear-end collisions, and unnecessary stress on the road.
Why These Lessons Matter
Every day, I meet learner and experienced drivers who are unsure about the simplest traffic laws. That’s why I create videos like this — not to “prove a point,” but to make our roads safer through education and awareness.
Driving confidently isn’t just about skill — it’s about knowledge. When you understand the logic behind the rules, you can make better split-second decisions that keep you, your passengers, and others safe.
Final Thoughts
Next time you approach an amber light, remember this simple rule:
If it’s safe to stop, stop. If it’s unsafe to stop, proceed — but don’t push your luck.
In Western Australia, red light cameras are calibrated to trigger the moment the light turns red. There’s no grace period, no excuses, and no second chances.
Understanding the difference between amber and red isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s about being a safer, more competent driver.
And if you’re ever unsure about what really happens when that camera flashes, watch the video above for real examples, commentary, and real lessons from WA roads.
👉 If you’d like to see the full discussion and viewer comments, head to Driving School WA on Instagram or TikTok.
To book driving lessons in Perth, WA, head to our booking page or contact us.
Let’s keep learning, keep sharing, and make WA roads safer for everyone.
