Image Credit: Crep171166 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia CommonsWe will all have been caught up in roadworks at some point in our lives. Getting caught by portable traffic signals or temporary traffic lights can often be hugely frustrating, especially if the lights take ages to change from red to green.In the UK, one of the biggest frustrations is when these lights fail and never change from red. This does happen from time to time, and drivers usually just sit there, having no idea what to do. The last thing you want to do is drive through a red, only to realize the other end has switched to green and you meet traffic coming the other way.It is a bit of a grey area legally as to what you can or can't do when it comes to lights stuck on red. Thankfully, there is some advice for those in the UK who are stuck at these lights.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn a report from YorkshireLive, barrister Daniel J. ShenSmith explained what motorists can do if the temporary traffic lights have remained stuck on red. It is still a minefield, but thankfully there is an explanation as to how to handle this situation.How To Navigate a Temporary Light Stuck on RedImage Credit: KRoock74 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia CommonsUnder Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, it states that drivers must not contravene a red-illuminated light. However, there are two scenarios where this is difficult. That is, if the lights have failed, or if they are just stuck on red. If the lights have failed, the Road Traffic Act states, "If the traffic lights are not working, treat the situation as you would an unmarked junction and proceed with great care."In effect, drivers can proceed but with care, just as if they are at a junction. But as ShenSmith explains, it's not as easy a decision if the lights are stuck on red. The Traffic Act says, "You MUST NOT move forward over the white line when the red light is showing. Only go forward when the traffic lights are green if there is room for you to clear the junction safely, or you are taking up a position to turn right.According to the barrister, even if you decide after several cycles that the lights have failed, if you are spotted, you could still be prosecuted and will be liable for any damage caused. The law can't differentiate between failed lights and those just stuck on red. You could call the site number on the roadworks sign to alert those running the site that the lights are faulty. But it is a huge grey area if you decide to keep going.What About in the United States?Image Credit: Mike8411251995 - 自行拍攝, Public Domain/Wikimedia CommonsIn the United States, it is very much a similar situation. If the lights have failed in their entirety, then you can proceed with caution, and you won't be prosecuted for passing the failed lights. How could you be, if no colors were showing? Again, it is slightly different if the lights are stuck on red, as official guidance says you should turn around if you can and find another route. The lights do have emergency contact numbers on them, so if you can, ring that to report the problem.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe last thing you want is for a cop to see you run a red light, pull you over, and potentially give you a ticket. In America, these lights are also designed to 'fail safe', so if one becomes stuck on red, the other should recognize this and do the same. Sadly for UK drivers, that doesn't happen, so you could find someone coming the other way if you go past the red.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.