Does passing through a flashing yellow light count as running a red light?
1 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.
