Can you drive through if the front wheels pass the stop line in the last second of the green light?
4 Answers
Yes. Only crossing the stop line and continuing to drive after the light turns red is considered running a red light. Driving while the light is still green is not a violation. However, from a safety perspective, it is not recommended to proceed if you have already reached the last second of the green light. Running a red light situation: If the vehicle just crosses the stop line when the light is red but stops immediately, this type of red-light running will not be penalized. However, if there is obvious movement after crossing the line, penalties will apply. The electronic eye captures three photos for running a red light: the vehicle crossing the stop line, followed by two more photos of the vehicle reaching the middle of the intersection and the opposite side of the intersection. Only when all three photos are complete will it be considered running a red light, resulting in a 6-point deduction under the new regulations. When there is a conflict between the traffic signal and a traffic officer's gesture: Motor vehicle drivers must obey the on-site command of the traffic officer. If a driver "runs a red light" due to the traffic officer's on-site command, they can obtain a flow adjustment certificate from the traffic police brigade at the scene to avoid penalties. If the party disagrees with the penalty, they can appeal through administrative reconsideration or administrative litigation.
As an experienced veteran driver with over a decade of road experience, I prioritize safe driving above all. While traffic rules technically allow you to proceed if your front wheels cross the stop line before the green light's final second, I strongly advise against rushing through. In reality, traffic signals change quickly, and misjudgment could easily lead to running a red light or getting rear-ended. The purpose of yellow lights is to warn you to stop—if your front wheels haven't crossed the line, I always come to a complete halt since intersections are high-risk zones, with hazards like pedestrians suddenly crossing or adjacent vehicles turning. I once narrowly avoided colliding with a car that rushed through a yellow light—a sobering lesson. That's why I've developed the habit of decelerating early, checking the remaining signal time, and leaving ample braking distance. Safety isn't about luck; it's about anticipation. Remember: protecting yourself and others outweighs saving those few seconds. Only by cultivating good habits can you ensure a safe journey home.
When driving, I always study traffic rules, and this is a pretty common issue. If the light turns green and your front wheels have crossed the stop line, you can proceed—it's legal because once a vehicle enters the intersection, it must clear it. Traffic lights are designed with a buffer time: after the last second of green, it turns yellow, giving you a chance to decide whether to continue. However, if your front wheels haven’t fully crossed the line, you must stop; otherwise, it counts as running a yellow or red light. My driving instructor emphasized that rules may vary slightly between cities, so it’s best to check local regulations. In practice, don’t gamble on timing—for example, when the light changes quickly, misjudgment is easy. If caught by a camera, a fine of a few hundred is minor, but points deducted affecting insurance is more troublesome. For safety, I recommend slowing down briefly when the green light is short, ensuring absolute certainty before proceeding. Knowing the rules makes driving more reassuring and efficient.
I believe driving should rely on intuition, not rigid rules. When the light is about to turn red and my front wheels have already crossed the line, I usually go through because stopping abruptly would block traffic. But it requires skill: the last second of a green light is tricky—flooring the gas is risky as you might not react in time to the light change. As a daily commuter, I've faced similar situations, like accelerating through an intersection the moment it turned yellow with my front wheels just past the line. While nothing happened, hindsight shows how close it was. Relatedly, forcing your way through chaotic, high-traffic intersections increases the risk of scrapes. Now I've learned to estimate light timing: if there are 3-5 seconds left, I prepare to stop; with 1 second remaining, I assess the situation. The key is flexibility—don't push yourself to the edge of danger. Safe driving is about adapting to road conditions, not forcing your way.
