Many of us drive a vehicle of some kind and while we might think we know everything we need to know when it comes to getting from A to B, that isn’t always the case.

There are plenty of road signs and rules we should obey in the UK like speed limits, giving way to other vehicles and more.

But what are the rules when it comes to stopping in a yellow box?

Can I stop in a yellow box when driving?

A yellow box is painted on some roads with criss-cross lines in them and sometimes it’s fine to stop in them but other times you should avoid it.

It's important to remember yellow box rules to avoid finesIt's important to remember yellow box rules to avoid fines (Image: Getty) They're called box junctions and it’s worth knowing when you can and cannot enter them.

Yellow boxes are used in an attempt to ensure traffic flows smoothly through busy junctions.

According to the government website and the highway code, motorists must avoid entering the box until their exit road or lane is clear.

However, there is an exception – you can enter the box and wait if you are turning right and if the only reason you can’t turn right yet is because of the oncoming traffic or other motorists also waiting to turn right.

If you see a yellow box at a signalled roundabout, you must only enter the box if you can completely cross over it without stopping.

UK speed limits explained

Can you be punished for breaking the law at box junctions?

If a box junction is not used correctly, you could end up with a fine as cameras are in place at many box junctions, according to the RAC.

The penalty charge notice can vary but on Transport for London’s (TfL) red routes in London, it is £160 and this can be reduced to £80 if the fine is paid within 14 days, the RAC explains.

Apart from in London and Cardiff where local authorities have enforced yellow boxes, the police have enforcement powers.

Recommended reading:

Drivers were fined nearly £1 million from just 36 yellow box junctions last year after councils were given new enforcement powers, figures show.

The RAC, which obtained the statistics through Freedom of Information (FoI) requests, said the “enormously high number” of penalty charge notices (PCNs) should “send alarm bells ringing in council offices”.

If you think you can prove that you didn’t break the rules, you can appeal the fine.

You can find out more about box junctions via the government and RAC websites.