Can passengers get on or off at traffic lights?
3 Answers
Passengers are not allowed to get on or off at traffic lights, as this constitutes a traffic violation. More information on traffic safety is as follows: 1. Traffic Violation Penalties - Article 93 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law": For violations of laws and regulations regarding the parking or temporary stopping of motor vehicles, the illegal act may be pointed out, and a verbal warning may be issued, ordering the immediate departure of the vehicle. 2. Article 63 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states that when a motor vehicle is temporarily parked on the road, the following provisions shall be observed: (1) No parking is allowed in sections of the road with no-parking signs or markings, in sections with separation facilities between motor vehicle lanes and non-motor vehicle lanes or sidewalks, or in crosswalks and construction zones. (2) No parking is allowed at intersections, railway crossings, sharp curves, narrow roads less than 4 meters wide, bridges, steep slopes, tunnels, or within 50 meters of these locations. (3) No parking is allowed in front of bus stops, emergency stations, gas stations, fire hydrants, or fire stations, or within 30 meters of these locations, except for vehicles using these facilities. (4) Doors shall not be opened, and passengers shall not get on or off before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Opening or closing doors shall not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. (5) When parking on the roadside, the vehicle shall be close to the right side of the road, and the driver shall not leave the vehicle. After passengers get on or off or items are loaded or unloaded, the vehicle shall depart immediately.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I believe picking up or dropping off passengers at traffic lights is not allowed, as it violates traffic regulations. Most places explicitly prohibit stopping near intersections for passenger pickups or drop-offs to avoid safety hazards. For example, when passengers open the door to exit, they might be hit by oncoming vehicles, especially the moment the light turns green. I have witnessed rear-end collisions caused by passengers exiting, which not only caused traffic jams but also involved fines. The principles of safe driving tell us that picking up or dropping off passengers should be done at designated stops or safe roadside areas. Even when waiting at a red light, the time is short and the location is sensitive, making it easy to disrupt traffic flow. I recommend that drivers plan their trips in advance to ensure passengers get on and off in safe locations, which can reduce accident risks and keep the roads clear. Driving is not just about operating a vehicle—it’s also about responsibility and obeying the law.
When traveling with my child, I always emphasize that no one should get on or off the car while waiting at a red light. This is not a minor issue but a potential major risk, as the child could get injured. Legally, many cities impose severe penalties, such as point deductions or fines, because intersections are not parking zones. From a safety perspective, if a car stops there, pedestrians getting off might be hit by turning vehicles, especially in poor lighting conditions. In daily life, I've seen similar accidents lead to serious consequences, so our family rule is to pick up or drop off people only under overpasses or in parking lots. Stay vigilant while driving and don't prioritize momentary convenience, or you may regret it later. Prioritizing safety during family trips makes the journey more enjoyable.
