
There are no specific speed limits at traffic light intersections, but the speed should not exceed the posted limit for that road. If the traffic light is located at a crossroad or a turn, the speed should not exceed 30 mph, typically ranging between 30 and 60 mph. Precautions for driving at traffic lights: The primary meaning of a red light is to stop. Check if there is a sign prohibiting right turns on red at the same level as the traffic light. If there is no such sign at the intersection, right turns on red are allowed, but safety must be ensured. If such a sign is present, stop behind the line until the light turns green before completing the turn, also ensuring safety. If there is no such sign, check both sides of the pedestrian crossing (directly ahead) to confirm no pedestrians are crossing before proceeding. If the situation with vehicles on the left is complex, stop. Precautions for stopping at traffic lights: Always be aware of changes in traffic lights and pedestrians on crosswalks to prevent accidents, especially when large trucks are passing by. Due to their height, trucks may temporarily block the view of traffic lights, so extra attention is needed. Stop at the line, wait for 3 seconds regardless of the presence of pedestrians or other vehicles, as the red light means stop first.

I have over a decade of driving experience, and you really can't just stomp on the accelerator at traffic lights. Traffic regulations clearly stipulate that the maximum speed for motor vehicles passing through intersections controlled by traffic signals must not exceed 30 kilometers per hour. This isn't just for show! If you speed through the last few seconds of a green light, and a pedestrian suddenly dashes out, you won't have enough time to brake. I once saw a new driver accelerate through a light and end up rear-ending the car in front when it braked suddenly. Especially on rainy days when the road is slippery, exceeding 30 km/h while turning can easily lead to loss of control. Remember, 'Better to wait three minutes than to rush one second.' Every time I approach an intersection, I glance at the speedometer to keep it between 25-30 km/h—this is the safest range, ensuring no tickets and enough reaction time.

From a perspective, Article 45 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law" clearly states: The maximum speed limit for motor vehicles passing through intersections is 30 km/h. This includes all signalized intersections. If you're caught by traffic cameras driving at 40 km/h through an intersection, you'll definitely lose 6 points and be fined 200 yuan. More importantly, crossing the stop line when the yellow light is on and continuing to proceed—known as 'running a yellow light'—is also a violation. I recommend that new drivers release the throttle about 100 meters before the intersection and use engine braking to slow down. Some major cities are piloting smart intersection systems where speeding can trigger extended red light durations. The key to safe driving is adhering to this '30 km/h' red line.

Speeding through a red light is essentially gambling with your life. When the vehicle speed exceeds 30km/h, the braking distance increases exponentially. For example, at 50 km/h, it takes nearly 30 meters to come to a complete stop after hitting the brakes, whereas at 30 km/h, it only requires about 13 meters. Intersections are full of complex scenarios: delivery e-bikes suddenly changing lanes, buses obstructing the view, pedestrians running red lights... Last week's news about a hitting and launching a pedestrian happened right at the moment the light turned green. Remember, the most dangerous time is when traffic just starts moving again—don't follow the car ahead by charging forward. The safe approach is to confirm there are no vehicles running the red light from the cross direction and proceed at a steady speed. Safety is a hundred times more important than saving those few seconds.

Twenty years of driving experience has taught me: mastering speed control means understanding traffic light cycles. Start easing off the throttle and preparing to brake 50 meters before an intersection, maintaining a steady 30km/h is safest. Many modern cars now feature HUD speed displays - a quick glance is all it takes to assess. Be especially wary during the final seconds of green lights, as some drivers accelerate to beat the change, while opposing traffic may already be moving off. Last year's traffic bureau data showed 26% of rear-end collisions occur during light transitions. In heavy rain, I proactively reduce speed to 25km/h. Most crucially, watch the dedicated right-turn lane - electric bikes often dart from blind spots here, and higher speeds guarantee trouble. Developing muscle memory to 'decelerate at every light' saves both lives and money.

The core speed rules for crossing traffic lights revolve around three principles: anticipation, control, and courtesy. The traffic regulation's 30km/h limit isn't arbitrary—at this speed, a driver's field of vision reaches 120 degrees, while at 40km/h it narrows to 90 degrees. The key to speed control lies in observing signal light status 200 meters in advance. If you see the green light start flashing, immediately reduce to 20km/h to prepare for stopping—don't imitate those who accelerate through yellow lights. Always decelerate before pedestrian crossings; even with a green light, beware of 'sudden pedestrian appearances'. Urban driving should be like practicing Tai Chi, emphasizing 'slow entry, fast exit'—approach intersections slowly, then accelerate smoothly after clearing them.


