Stop bars

Stop bar (AGA 7.10.3): red lights across a taxiway at the holding point. Provided where the runway is used below RVR 1200 (1/4 SM).

• Shown in the intended direction of approach to the runway-holding position.
• Never cross an illuminated stop bar, even with a clearance from ATC.
• ATC switching the bar off is not itself a clearance to enter the runway.
• Proceed only when ATC gives the verbal clearance AND switches the bar off.
• Cleared onto runway but bar still lit: do not proceed, tell ATC, wait.

Trap: a lit stop bar always stops you, clearance or no clearance.

Practice