Can You Go If the Front Wheels Cross the Stop Line Before the Red Light Turns On?
3 Answers
You cannot go if the front wheels cross the stop line before the red light turns on. You cannot continue driving: If the front of the car crosses the stop line and the light turns red, you cannot continue driving. Continuing to drive would be considered running a red light. If the red light turns on after the car has already crossed the line but remains stationary, it is not considered running a red light. It is also important to note that if the front of the car crosses the stop line and the light turns red, the car should not reverse back behind the stop line. You cannot reverse: Reversing back behind the stop line means the car has moved, which may be recorded as a violation. Additionally, reversing could lead to a collision with vehicles behind, potentially causing a traffic accident, for which the reversing driver would be held responsible. When driving, drivers must pay close attention to traffic signals: a red light means vehicles must stop, a yellow light allows vehicles that have already crossed the stop line to continue, and a green light permits passage.
Once, I was crossing an intersection at the very end of the green light, and the moment my front wheels crossed the line, the light turned red. My first instinct was to hit the brakes and stop on the crosswalk. Later, a traffic police friend told me that this actually counts as a violation. According to traffic rules, if your front wheels have already crossed the line when the light turns red, you should proceed through the intersection as quickly as possible. Stopping in the middle not only obstructs traffic but can also be captured by cameras as 'over-the-line parking.' However, it's important to note that your vehicle should not continue charging forward—your rear wheels must have crossed the stop line before the red light to count as a legal passage. I've observed the intersection's electronic police enforcement system, which takes three consecutive photos: when the front wheels cross the line, when the vehicle body crosses the intersection, and when it reaches the opposite side. All three must meet the criteria for running a red light to warrant a penalty. My advice is to make your decision during the yellow light and avoid risking a last-second dash.
As a veteran taxi driver with 15 years of experience, I encounter this situation daily. Focus on your vehicle's position: if the entire front of your car has crossed the line before the red light turns on, drive away confidently without hesitation, but ensure safety. Many beginners make the mistake of slamming on the brakes after crossing the line, leaving their rear end still on the stop line, resulting in being caught running a red light. A practical tip is to observe the perpendicular traffic light—when the green light hasn't turned on yet, it means you still have a few seconds to pass safely. However, when there's a traffic officer at the intersection, it's best to follow their hand signals. Once, I followed the car ahead through the intersection and was stopped—the officer explained that although my front wheels had crossed the line, vehicles from the perpendicular direction had already started moving, making it too dangerous to proceed.
