The Queen doesn’t stop for red lights for this important security reason

The monarch has special dispensation to run red lights

Queen Elizabeth II drives herself in her Range Rover car as she attends day 3 of the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Home Park on May 10, 2019
(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

The Queen reportedly doesn’t sit in red lights for a very particular reason - and it’s all to do with her safety.

The 94-year-old monarch is the only person in the country who does not require a DVLA license in order to legally drive. As part of the “royal prerogative”, the Queen is also exempt from following the rules of the road. 

Now a Royal Expert has revealed that the Queen is allowed to run red lights for a crucial security reason.

Why can the Queen run red lights?

According to Royal Expert Emily Andrews, the Queen is able to run red lights in order to prevent her from becoming a “sitting target”. Speaking on the Channel 5 documentary Secrets of Royal Palace, Ms Andrews reportedly said: "When the Queen is in a motorcade, you had to keep moving.”

Queen Elizabeth II travels in her chauffeur driven Bentley car (with a motorcycle outrider of the Metropolitan Police Special Escort Group) after attending the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 8, 2020

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

She explained: "You never, ever want to stop, that's why they sail through red lights and have police because the moment the car stops, they're a sitting target. The protocol is always to keep moving."

Does the Queen use other modes of transport?

Whilst the Queen has often been pictured travelling by a car throughout her reign, the monarch’s favourite mode of transport is reportedly Royal Train. Every December, the Queen can usually be seen taking the train to Norfolk where she spends Christmas at her Sandringham estate. This year, given the ongoing effects of the pandemic, the Queen chose to celebrate Christmas at Windsor Castle in Berkshire with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

According to Express.co.uk, ITV Royal Rota's Chris Ship and Lizzie Robinson have discussed how the monarch can be "fined heavily" by Network Rail for delaying trains on the network. 

Speaking of Her Majesty’s love of trains, Ms Robinson reportedly said: "It's secure, efficient and effective at getting them from A to B. The Queen loves it, it's her favourite mode of transport so it stays."

Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive by Royal Train at Runcorn Station to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge on June 14, 2018

(Image credit: Photo by Peter Byrne - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Mr Ship then supposedly explained that he had been told some “interesting things” about how punctual the Queen likes the train to be.

"When she travels on it, she makes sure she knows exactly when it should be leaving and she's there going 'come on, come on, we should be going by now'.

"If the train's late and delays trains on the rest of the network the royal train gets fined quite heavily by Network Rail.

"She neither wants to be late or end up with a huge fine," he revealed.

It seems that, like the rest of us, the Queen likes reaching her destination in good time!

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!