Yellow box: waiting to turn right is allowed
Yellow box junctions have an important exception built into the rules: you ARE allowed to enter the box and wait there if you want to turn right, but oncoming traffic — or other vehicles also waiting to turn right — is blocking you from completing the turn. Many penalty charge notices (PCNs) are issued without this exception being taken into account. If it applies to your situation, the exception is absolute: the council has no power to ignore it or override it. Important: this exception applies in England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland has different rules, so check the position there before relying on this argument.
Legal basis
Highway Code Rule 174 (express right-turn exception); TSRGD 2016 hatch markings; the TRO must reflect Rule 174
How to identify this in your case
Check CCTV: vehicle indicating right? Stopped by oncoming traffic or another right-turner? If yes, defence applies absolutely.
Sample appeal wording
Dear Sir/Madam, Re: PCN [NUMBER] — Yellow Box — Right-turn — [DATE] I challenge this PCN. Highway Code Rule 174 expressly states: '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 [LOCATION] on [DATE/TIME] I was: - Indicating right to turn into [STREET] - Prevented from completing the turn by oncoming through-traffic / by another right-turning vehicle ahead Council CCTV will confirm the right indicator, oncoming traffic, and immediate completion once a gap appeared. This is a recognised exception in the Highway Code and an absolute defence. Please cancel. Yours faithfully, [NAME]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
Beat It writes this argument automatically
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