Can You Continue Driving After Crossing the Stop Line Before a Red Light?
2 Answers
There are two scenarios to consider here. One is when the entire vehicle has crossed the stop line before the red light turns on, in which case you can continue driving. The other scenario is when only the front wheels of the vehicle have crossed the stop line before the red light turns on, in which case you should brake immediately and wait for the red light. Below are some relevant details: Standardizing Driving Behavior: To fully leverage the cumulative penalty point system for motor vehicle drivers in preventing traffic accidents and standardizing driving behavior, China's traffic management authorities will further intensify penalties for traffic violations that endanger road safety. Penalty Points for Violations: Starting from January 1, 2018, penalty points for violations such as motor vehicles running a red light have been increased from 3 points to 6 points. Additionally, running a yellow light will also be considered as running a red light. Therefore, if a vehicle has not completely crossed the line when the red light turns on, it should stop and wait for the red light.
Crossing the stop line and continuing to drive at a red light? This is a situation I've often encountered during my years of driving. Many drivers think that once they've crossed the line, they can rush through, but in reality, any movement after the red light turns on is considered running a red light, which is a violation. Traffic rules clearly state to stop at red lights. If you can't stop in time and cross the line, the best approach is to immediately stop in a safe position and wait for the green light before proceeding. Otherwise, you may be caught by cameras, resulting in fines and penalty points. I once carelessly ran a red light and nearly hit a pedestrian—it still gives me chills to think about it. When the yellow light appears, you should slow down and prepare to stop, not speed up to cross. In cities with dense traffic, such driving is more likely to cause rear-end collisions or congestion. Developing the habit of following the rules can reduce risks and ensure safer travel.
