Does Crossing the Line on Yellow Light Count as Running a Red Light?
2 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," when the yellow light at an intersection is flashing, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line can continue to pass. If the yellow light is already on and you continue to force your way through, being caught in such a situation will also count as running a red light. Criteria for determining running a red light: Electronic eyes will capture three photos as the basis for determining 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 considered running a red light. How to avoid running a red light while driving: When there is an arrow signal light, follow the arrow light; otherwise, follow the circular light; 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 flashes, if you are close and moving fast, you should pass through, as you might not be able to stop in time and cross 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 or approach an intersection.
I've been driving for over ten years and often encounter situations where I cross the line at a yellow light. According to traffic rules, the yellow light is mainly used to remind drivers to prepare to stop or pay attention to safety, and it doesn't count as a true red light violation. The definition of running a red light is when a vehicle continues to move forward without completely crossing the line or stopping after the red light has turned on. Whether crossing on yellow counts as a violation depends on the specific timing: if the yellow light has just turned on and the wheels have already crossed the stop line, continuing through is not considered running a red light; but if the car is still behind the line when the yellow light turns on and accelerates to rush through, it may be caught by cameras as running a red light, resulting in a ticket and points. I suggest that fellow drivers don't panic when encountering a yellow light, slow down in advance, observe carefully, and ensure safety before acting. Safe driving is the most important thing—never stomp on the accelerator to rush through a yellow light, as it can easily lead to accidents. It's best to understand local traffic regulations, as some cities have stricter enforcement and may count it as a violation. Overall, crossing the line the moment the yellow light turns on doesn't count as running a red light, but this requires drivers to remain vigilant.
