Does Crossing the Line on Yellow Light Count as Running a Red Light?
2 Answers
According to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law": When the yellow light is flashing at an intersection, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line can continue to pass and will not be considered as running a red light; if the yellow light is already on and the vehicle continues to rush through, being caught on camera in this situation will count as running a red light. The criteria for determining running a red light: Electronic eyes capture 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 considered as running a red light. To avoid running a red light, pay attention to the following points: When there is an arrow signal light, watch the arrow light; otherwise, watch the round 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 the distance is close and the speed is fast, you should pass, as braking might not stop the vehicle in time and it could cross the stop line; if the distance is far or the speed is slow 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, ensuring traffic lights are within your field of vision. Violating traffic signal rules results in a 6-point deduction and a fine. Article 90 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulates: Motor vehicle drivers who violate road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road passage shall be given a warning or fined not less than 20 yuan but not more than 200 yuan. If this law provides otherwise, penalties shall be imposed accordingly.
I remember specifically studying the traffic rules before, and it's not considered running a red light if a vehicle crosses the line when the yellow light is on. According to the Road Traffic Safety Law, running a red light is defined as crossing the stop line after the red light has turned on. Essentially, the yellow light serves as a transitional signal, providing drivers with a buffer period. However, it's important to note that if you rush through when the yellow light is flashing and the entire vehicle hasn't completely passed through the intersection before it turns red, the camera might capture you stopping in the middle of the intersection. In such cases, you could be penalized for obstructing traffic or lingering at the intersection, with a fine of 200 yuan and 3 demerit points. Therefore, the smartest approach when seeing a yellow light is: if you're too close to brake safely, maintain a steady speed to pass through; if you're far enough, simply slow down and stop. Safety is far more important than rushing those two seconds, especially since most accidents occur at intersections.
