Does passing through a flashing yellow light count as running a red light?
3 Answers
Running a yellow light and running a red light are both considered the same traffic violation—driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal regulations. According to 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. Article 26 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: 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. The "Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulates: 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 comes on, it may continue to pass; otherwise, it should stop. The "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," Article 38, 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 hinder the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to pass. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from passing. 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 hinder the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Electronic traffic enforcement captures red-light running based on the following three photos, 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 pressing against the stop line. An image of the vehicle's entire body crossing the stop line. If these three photos show that the vehicle moved beyond the stop line while the red light was on, the traffic police can determine that the vehicle ran a red light during review. 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 a yellow light. Alternatively, pay attention to the traffic signal in advance; observe the duration of the green light—if traffic is light and the green light lasts longer, prepare to slow down.
I've been driving for decades, and passing through a flashing yellow light doesn't count as running a red light—that's basic traffic rule knowledge. The yellow light primarily serves as a warning, reminding us drivers to slow down and prepare to stop. If your car is still some distance from the stop line when the yellow light flashes, you should brake promptly; but if you're already very close and can't safely stop in time, passing through the intersection isn't a violation. However, a word of caution: don't think about speeding up to rush through, as that can easily lead to accidents. I've seen novice drivers stomp on the gas at the sight of a yellow light, only to collide with another car at the intersection, costing thousands in repairs and penalty points. In reality, the yellow light is designed as a buffer time to keep traffic flowing smoothly and reduce sudden stops. In short, it's not a red light, so it doesn't count as running it, but you still need to carefully judge your car's position and speed.
When I first got my driver's license, I also liked to think about this. Passing through a flashing yellow light doesn't count as running a red light. According to the rules, the traffic light cycles from red to yellow to green. Running a red light means crossing the line after the red light has already turned on, which is when you get penalized. As long as you don't stop behind the line and force your way through during a flashing yellow light, it's not a violation. But I've tried driving through a few times when the yellow light was flashing, and once in the city, I got photographed by a traffic camera. The police officer said it was fine. However, don't imitate some people who slam on the accelerator when they see a yellow light—it's easy to lose control and skid. In winter, when the road is slippery, doing this is extremely dangerous. I recommend that new drivers ease off the accelerator when encountering a yellow light, check the rearview mirror to ensure no car is closely following, and stop if possible—don't take risks. After driving a few more times, you'll develop good habits and reduce the anxiety of rushing.
