TfL Code 31 PCN Appeal: Yellow Box Junction (2026)

1. What does TfL Code 31 mean?

TfL Code 31 alleges entering and stopping in a box junction when prohibited. The central issue is whether the vehicle entered so that it had to stop within the box because stationary vehicles blocked its exit. A still image of the vehicle in the box does not explain that sequence.

Contravention

Code 31: entering and stopping in a box junction when prohibited

Issuing authority

Transport for London

Formal representation deadline

28 days beginning with service of the PCN.

Appeal route

TfL, then London Tribunals after a formal Notice of Rejection.

Penalty and discount

£160, reduced by 50% to £80 during the applicable discount period.

Appealing during the discount

TfL pauses the discount period when it receives your representation within that period. If rejected, the remaining discount period resumes from the point it was paused.

2. What must TfL establish?

The yellow criss-cross marking identifies the box junction. Check the marked area, its endpoints and where the vehicle stopped. A separate upright yellow-box warning sign is not generally required.

• A qualifying box: paragraph 11(6) covers road junctions, gyratory systems or roundabouts, certain narrow two-way roads and the road adjacent to emergency-service premises. The conditions are not identical for every location.
• A sufficiently clear, prescribed or authorised marking: compare the yellow pattern, boundary and actual location with the relevant legislation. The Traffic Signs Manual provides design guidance; departing from guidance is not automatically a statutory defect.
• Entry and a stop within the box: paragraph 11(7) includes a vehicle partly within the box. Identify the wheel movement and boundary rather than relying only on a timestamped still.
• The cause of the stop: under the ordinary paragraph 11(1) rule, the vehicle must have had to stop because of stationary vehicles. Identify those vehicles and any genuine intervening event.
• The appropriate notice and liability: check the location, vehicle identity, service, required wording and statutory ground relevant to the recipient. A driver's identity alone does not decide owner liability.

3. Grounds and exemptions for a TfL Code 31 appeal

The right-turn exception has specific conditions. A brief stop, following another vehicle or having most of the car outside the box is not an automatic exemption.

• The vehicle did not stop within the marked box, or TfL's recording does not establish the alleged stop.
• The stop was not caused by the presence of stationary vehicles. Explain what the full recording shows rather than relying only on a photograph.
• The right-turn exception applied: the vehicle entered to turn right and was prevented from completing the turn by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right.
• The location or extent of the marked box does not meet the applicable legal requirements. Identify the specific issue and show it in a plan or photograph.
• If ownership, hire liability, payment or the amount demanded is disputed, explain the applicable statutory ground and attach the records supporting it.

4. How to challenge your PCN with TfL

Send your formal representation to TfL within 28 days beginning with service of the Code 31 PCN.

The initial 50% discount runs for 14 days beginning with the date of the PCN. TfL pauses the discount period when it receives your representation within that period. If rejected, the remaining discount period resumes from the point it was paused.

1. Open TfL's PCN service below using your PCN number and vehicle registration.
2. Explain the Code 31 ground you rely on. Include evidence of the camera sequence from entry to exit and the reason the vehicle stopped.
3. Submit in the name of the person or organisation on the notice, including written authorisation where a representative acts for them.
4. For a postal representation, use Red routes, PO Box 335, Darlington DL1 9PU. Keep a copy and allow time for delivery.
5. Save your completed submission, attachments and dated acknowledgement.

5. How long does TfL have to respond?

London Tribunals says the authority "should normally respond to representations within 3 months". Keep the acknowledgement showing when TfL received yours.

6. If TfL rejects your representation

Following a formal rejection, you have 28 days beginning with service to pay or register an appeal with London Tribunals. Use the appeal instructions and verification details supplied with TfL's decision.

7. Taking your TfL appeal to London Tribunals

Register with the Environment and Traffic Adjudicators at London Tribunals, the independent tribunal for this PCN. Set out your Code 31 grounds and include the notice, your representation and the supporting evidence.

If TfL contests the appeal, review its evidence pack against the camera sequence from entry to exit and the reason the vehicle stopped. Respond to the tribunal's directions by the dates it gives you.

There is no fee to register an appeal. If refused, the full penalty is normally payable; the earlier discount does not automatically continue.

Other TfL notices and appeal routes

This contravention uses the Environment and Traffic Adjudicators route. TfL's ULEZ, LEZ, Congestion Charge and tunnel charging penalties use the separate Road User Charging Adjudicators route.

2025 TfL tribunal results: Yellow box junctions

194 of 744 recorded cases were allowed (26.1%).

Full Code 31 PCN Appeal Guide

Read the detailed legislation, signage requirements, exemptions and case analysis for this contravention.