Does Crossing the Line at the End of a Yellow Light Count as Running a Red Light?
3 Answers
The traffic police department stated that according to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," vehicles that have already crossed the stop line when the yellow light at an intersection is flashing may continue to pass. If the yellow light is already on and the vehicle continues to force its way through, being caught in such a situation will also be considered as running a red light. Criteria for determining running a red light: Electronic monitoring devices take three photos as evidence for running a red light: the front wheels crossing the stop line, the rear wheels crossing the stop line, and the front wheels crossing the opposite stop line. Only when all three photos are present will it be deemed as running a red light. How to avoid running a red light while driving: When there are arrow signal lights, follow the arrow lights; otherwise, follow the circular lights; When the red light is on, the front of the vehicle must not cross the stop line; When the yellow light is on, the front of the vehicle must not cross the stop line; When the green light just starts flashing, if you are close and moving fast, you should proceed, as braking might not stop you in time to avoid crossing the stop line; if you are far away, moving slowly, or the intersection is congested, you should stop; When driving in the city, develop the habit of looking for traffic lights whenever you see a crosswalk or stop line at an intersection.
The issue of vehicles crossing the line at the end of a yellow light is quite common, and I've encountered it several times. Last year in the city at an intersection, as the yellow light was about to turn red, I stepped on the gas and just as the front of my car crossed the line, the light turned red. Later, I checked and found no ticket because the rule states that if the wheels have crossed the line before the red light turns on, it doesn’t count as running a red light. The electronic camera system also determines violations based on the vehicle's position after the red light turns on. However, since then, I’ve changed my habit—when I see a yellow light, I start slowing down to prepare to stop, as safety comes first. Rushing through carries significant risks; if the timing isn’t right, it could be mistaken for running a red light, leading to fines and penalty points, or even causing a rear-end collision. Now, I always anticipate signal changes in advance, especially during rain or peak hours, being more cautious. Developing the habit of slowing down helps avoid such awkward situations. In short, while it’s technically within the rules, I personally advise against taking the risk—steady driving is best.
In traffic regulations, if a vehicle has already crossed the stop line when the yellow light ends, it is generally not considered running a red light. The standard for running a red light is when the vehicle crosses the line after the red light turns on. The electronic monitoring system primarily determines violations based on the vehicle's position at the moment the red light activates. Therefore, if your car's front wheels have crossed the line just before the yellow light ends, there's no need to worry about a fine. However, as someone who drives frequently, I advise everyone not to rely on this—it's best to slow down and prepare to stop when you see a yellow light. Traffic light changes can sometimes be inconsistent in timing, and delays in human or vehicle reactions can lead to sudden acceleration, increasing the risk of accidents. Safe driving is the key. Following the rules not only reduces disputes but also protects yourself and others. In summary, the rules are clear and practical, but in practice, they emphasize cautious behavior to avoid potential risks.
