Can I proceed if the light turns red after entering the waiting area?
3 Answers
No, because the waiting area is only for left or right turns. Here are the relevant details: Pay attention to yielding: The stop line is preceded by a crosswalk, so be mindful of pedestrians. If your vehicle has already crossed the stop line and entered the waiting area when the light turns red, you should not remain stationary as this may be considered a violation of traffic signal rules. Instead, you should proceed forward safely. If you reverse back into the stop line after entering the waiting area upon seeing the red light, this constitutes a violation and running a red light. Follow LED instructions: In any case, proceed carefully and clear the waiting area only when it is safe to do so. If you're unsure how to navigate the waiting area, never rush through a red light—it's unsafe and could result in penalties. Always follow the instructions on LED signs and check for traffic violations on the official traffic management website rather than relying on mobile apps, which may risk information leakage!
I often encounter this situation while driving: when the red light turns on after entering the left-turn waiting area, you absolutely must not proceed. According to traffic rules, the waiting area is only for vehicles to queue up in advance when the straight-going traffic light is green. But once the red light comes on, you must immediately stop in the waiting area and wait, rather than continuing to turn. Running a red light is extremely dangerous – you may be caught by intersection cameras, resulting in fines and penalty points. Even worse, the cross traffic may have a green light at that moment, and forcing your way through could easily lead to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. I remember once during rush hour, I stopped properly when the light turned red in the waiting area, while a driver next to me rushed through and got pulled over by a police car. In daily driving, I always pay attention to signal changes in advance to avoid entering too fast and not being able to brake in time – safety always comes first. It's much wiser to wait patiently for the green light before turning.
At traffic intersections, the left-turn waiting zone is designed for smooth flow, so don't try to sneak through after the red light comes on. The rule is clear: all vehicles must come to a complete stop at the stop line or within the waiting zone when the light is red—proceeding further counts as running a red light. With over 20 years of driving experience, I've seen many beginners assume they're safe once in the waiting zone, only to face hefty fines or accidents. In reality, intersection cameras are highly sensitive and easily capture violations, leading to penalties and demerit points. My advice is to gradually enter the waiting zone when the straight-ahead light is green, controlling your speed so you can stop promptly when the light turns red. This avoids congestion and risks, making driving easier once it becomes a habit while protecting both your safety and others' on the road.
