Does passing through a yellow light count as running a red light?
3 Answers
According to Article 15 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," when the yellow light at an intersection is flashing, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to pass. If the yellow light is already on and the driver continues to force their way through, being caught on camera in such a situation will also count as running a red light. According to Article 90 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," motor vehicle drivers who do not comply with traffic signals will be penalized with 6 demerit points and a fine of 200 yuan. 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 running a red light. When the red light is on and the vehicle crosses the stop line, if the driver can stop the vehicle even after crossing the line, it will not be considered running a red light but rather stopping beyond the line. How to avoid running a red light while driving: If there is an arrow signal light, follow the arrow light; otherwise, follow the circular 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 starts flashing, if the distance is close and the speed is high, the vehicle should pass through, as it may be difficult to stop in time without crossing the stop line; if the distance is far, the speed is slow, or the intersection is congested, the vehicle 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.
Passing through a yellow light is not considered running a red light; it is a normal traffic behavior. A yellow light is a warning signal, indicating that you should prepare to stop. However, if you are already too close to the intersection and cannot stop safely in time, it is permissible to continue through. Having driven for over a decade, I often encounter this situation—as long as the front wheels of the car cross the stop line while the light is still yellow, there is usually no issue. However, be aware that if an officer sees you could have safely stopped but chose to rush through, you might receive a ticket, as unsafe driving is the key concern. I recommend slowing down and assessing the situation when encountering a yellow light to ensure safety and avoid accidents. Enforcement varies by location—some cities have cameras, and rushing through a short yellow light might be recorded as a violation. Therefore, it’s good practice to observe the rhythm of yellow light flashes while driving and develop safe habits.
As a new driver, I always wondered if going through a yellow light counts as running a red light. Later, my friend told me it doesn't. A yellow light is just a warning that the red light is coming, so you should stop if possible. But if I'm already driving through the middle of the intersection when the light turns yellow and can't stop in time, it's okay to proceed—that's not considered running a red light. Running a red light only happens when the light is already red before your car enters the intersection, and you still force your way through—that's a violation. Last time I was driving in the suburbs, I encountered a yellow light and gently pressed the accelerator to pass through—no issue. Of course, safety comes first, so I'll slow down in advance. If the yellow light flashes too quickly, I don’t want to risk an accident or a fine. I recommend new drivers practice more to get familiar with their car's braking distance. When facing a yellow light, don’t hesitate—either stop or proceed decisively.
