Can You Speed Up When the Yellow Light Flashes at an Intersection?
4 Answers
You cannot speed up when the yellow light flashes at an intersection. A flashing yellow light indicates that the signal is about to turn red. Vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may accelerate to pass through, while vehicles that have not crossed the stop line must stop and wait. If the yellow light flashes continuously, it means drivers should slow down, pay attention to oncoming traffic from both sides, and be prepared to yield. Therefore, accelerating is not allowed. According to the new "Road Traffic Safety Law," when the yellow light flashes at an intersection, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to pass, while vehicles that have not crossed the stop line must stop. Driving through a yellow light is considered running a red light. If a vehicle continues to rush through after the yellow light turns on, it will be recorded as running a red light by traffic cameras. If a vehicle has just crossed the stop line when the light turns red but stops immediately, traffic authorities will not impose penalties. However, if the vehicle moves significantly after crossing the line, it will be penalized. If a vehicle passes through a yellow light due to being blocked by the vehicle in front, it does not count as running a red light. In such cases, the driver can appeal to the local traffic police department to revoke the penalty. Having evidence like dashcam footage increases the chances of successfully overturning the penalty through administrative reconsideration. To avoid crossing the intersection during the transition from yellow to red, drivers should stop when the green light is about to turn off. The yellow light lasts for 3 seconds, and if a vehicle cannot pass within this time, it will turn red. Whether running a red or yellow light, fines will be imposed.
I remember one time during the evening rush hour, I was driving home and approached a major intersection when the yellow light started flashing. Thinking to save time, I wanted to speed through, but cars from the other side had already started moving. Fortunately, I braked in time and avoided an accident. That experience taught me that a flashing yellow light is a signal to slow down and prepare to stop, not to accelerate. Many accidents occur in such situations, like rear-end collisions or side impacts, because vehicles are going too fast with insufficient braking distance. The core of safe driving is defensive behavior—always assuming others might make a move. I consulted traffic experts who confirmed that accelerating during a yellow light violates rules and increases danger. Developing the habit of slowing down protects both yourself and others, ensuring safety on the road. When you see a yellow light at an intersection, the best practice is to steadily slow down and stop, taking no risks.
When I was taking my driving test, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that when encountering a flashing yellow light, you must slow down and stop, and under no circumstances should you accelerate. The law clearly states that a yellow light is a warning signal, alerting you to an upcoming red light or the need for caution, and accelerating through it is illegal, potentially resulting in fines or penalty points. Road rules are designed for everyone's safety, taking into account reaction times and unexpected situations. For example, at urban intersections with heavy traffic and limited driver visibility, accelerating can easily lead to collisions in blind spots. I've read a lot of traffic regulations, all of which highlight the dangers of such behavior. Please remember, following the rules isn't just for your own sake, but also for the harmony of the community. Every time I drive, I remind myself to slow down and strictly adhere to traffic light signals.
Having driven for over a decade, I've developed the habit of gradually slowing down when the yellow light flashes. If you're very close to the intersection and feel you can make it, that's fine, but accelerating is definitely unsafe because vehicles or pedestrians from the other direction might suddenly appear. I judge the traffic situation based on experience—if it's not congested, I proceed at normal speed; but most of the time, stopping is the wiser choice. This habit has helped me avoid potential troubles. Driving skills are all about balancing risk and efficiency—never sacrifice safety for minor gains. Stopping at the signal and waiting for the green light to start is always a wise decision.
