Does Entering the Waiting Zone Count as Running a Red Light?
2 Answers
Entering the waiting zone does not count as running a red light. If you have already crossed the stop line and are continuing to make a left turn when the red light turns on, it is not considered running a red light. More details are as follows: 1. When the straight-ahead signal in the same direction turns green, vehicles in the left-turn lane must move forward into the waiting zone and wait for the signal. The 'left-turn waiting zone' is exclusively for left-turning vehicles. Even if the left-turn signal is red when the straight-ahead signal turns green, left-turning vehicles are allowed to enter the 'left-turn waiting zone' at the intersection and wait until the left-turn signal turns green before proceeding. 2. It is important to remind drivers that the left-turn waiting line is not a 'stop line.' If both the straight-ahead and left-turn signals are red, all vehicles must wait behind the original stop line. 3. If a vehicle has just crossed the stop line when the light turns red but stops immediately, this will not be penalized as running a red light. However, if there is noticeable movement after crossing the line, penalties will apply.
The waiting zone does not count as running a red light. As an experienced driver, I've encountered this situation many times. The waiting zone is a specially designed area at intersections where turning vehicles can enter and wait during a red light without directly crossing the intersection, so it's not a violation. Traffic rules explicitly permit this operation to reduce congestion and accidents. After the light turns green, you proceed with your turn—the entire process is legal and efficient. In daily driving, I often use waiting zones to avoid peak-hour queues, but there are a few rules to follow: first, stay within the marked boundaries of the waiting zone and don’t cross them; second, don’t enter prematurely or linger in the zone when the light is green, as this might be misinterpreted as a violation. For safety, always watch for pedestrians and other vehicles, maintain a safe distance, and avoid rushing. Nowadays, with advanced smart traffic systems, some waiting zones even sense traffic flow and adjust signals automatically, making them even more convenient. In short, using waiting zones correctly is part of driving skills, and leveraging them properly can save time and effort in urban driving.
