Does driving through a yellow light count as running a red light?
1 Answers
Driving through a yellow light is also considered running a red light, as both running a yellow light and running a red light fall under the same traffic violation—driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal regulations. According to Article 10 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," this offense is punishable by a fine and a deduction of 6 points from the driver's license. The "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," Article 26, stipulates: Traffic signals consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition of passage, a green light indicates permission to proceed, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Article 26 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law" further states: A yellow light serves as a warning, and motor vehicles should slow down when approaching an intersection. If the vehicle has already crossed the stop line when the yellow light turns on, it may continue through the intersection. If the vehicle has not yet crossed the stop line, it must stop. Article 38 of the "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" specifies the meanings of motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle traffic signals: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of through vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle traffic signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct the passage of through vehicles or pedestrians. Electronic traffic enforcement cameras capture red-light violations based on the following three images, which are reviewed by traffic police to determine whether a violation occurred: An image of the vehicle not having passed the stop line when the red light is on. An image of the vehicle's front wheels crossing the stop line. An image of the vehicle's entire body having crossed the stop line. If these three images show that the vehicle moved beyond the stop line while the red light was on, the traffic police may determine that the vehicle ran a red light. To avoid running a yellow light: Slow down when approaching an intersection, maintain a speed of 20–30 km/h, keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and avoid tailgating or rushing through the yellow light. Alternatively, observe the traffic signal timing in advance—if the green light has been on for a long time and traffic is light, prepare to slow down.
