Stop bar lights, when installed, are used to confirm the ATC clearance to enter or cross the active runway in low visibility conditions. A stop bar consists of a row of red, unidirectional, steady-burning in-pavement lights installed across the entire taxiway at the runway holding position, and elevated steady-burning red lights on each side.

A controlled stop bar is operated in conjunction with the taxiway centerline lead-on lights which extend from the stop bar toward the runway. Following the ATC clearance to proceed, the stop bar is turned off and the lead-on lights are turned on. The stop bar and lead-on lights are automatically reset by a sensor or backup timer.

An aircraft should never cross an illuminated stop bar, even with clearance from ATC.

References

AIM AGA 7.11 – Runway Guard Lights

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