Does running a yellow light that turns red midway count as running a red light?

[StDelilah]

Whether running a yellow light that turns red midway counts as running a red light depends on whether the rear of the vehicle has crossed the line when the red light turns on. If the vehicle has just crossed the line and the driver does not continue moving the vehicle, maintaining the status quo, the traffic authorities will not consider it as running the light. More details are as follows: There is a three-second transition period between the yellow light turning on and the red light turning on. Electronic police operate 24/7, and they do not capture images when the yellow light is on—they only start capturing images when the red light turns on. If you accidentally run a red light but have already passed the stop line without completely crossing the intersection, traffic police may cancel the violation based on the following conditions: if stopping at the intersection does not obstruct traffic; if it does not affect pedestrians crossing the crosswalk; or if the vehicle has not completely passed through the intersection. As long as these three conditions are met, stopping after running the red light will not result in a fine.

[VonLily]

I've driven quite a few cars, and when encountering a yellow light, if I haven't passed the center of the intersection and the red light turns on, I'm usually penalized for running a red light. According to traffic rules, running a red light refers to when a vehicle fails to stop before the stop line after the red light has turned on. The yellow light is a warning signal, reminding you to slow down and stop, unless you can't safely do so. If you accelerate to rush through a yellow light and it turns red while you're in the intersection, the cameras will record it as running a red light. Once, I rushed through a yellow light like this at an intersection and ended up receiving a ticket—a 200-yuan fine plus 6 penalty points. It's very dangerous and can easily cause rear-end or side collisions. So, to be safe, when the yellow light flashes, slow down and stop early; don't risk rushing through. It can save your life and avoid trouble. Paying more attention to road conditions in daily driving and developing good habits is much better than regretting it later.

[JocelynLee]

Honestly, in most cities, running a yellow light that turns red mid-crossing is treated as running a red light. A yellow light isn't a signal to speed up but a warning to slow down and prepare to stop. I've learned that traffic laws define running a red light as when the light turns red and you haven't yet crossed the intersection line, which could trigger a camera. If you've already passed the stop line when the light is yellow and it turns red while you're crossing, it's not a violation. But if you start crossing after the yellow light appears and it suddenly turns red, you're in trouble. A friend of mine got a ticket and points deducted for this. Safety first—don't play games with traffic lights. When you see a yellow, hit the brakes and check your mirrors to avoid accidents or police trouble. Practicing your braking reflexes can help dodge such awkward situations.

[HaleyFitz]

Running a yellow light that turns red is usually considered running a red light. Traffic rules require vehicles to stop when the red light is on, and the yellow light serves as a transition period. If you haven't passed the center of the intersection before the yellow light ends and proceed after it turns red, it counts as a violation. I had a personal experience once in the city where the light changed too quickly, and I only learned my lesson after receiving a ticket. Now, when I encounter a yellow light, I slow down and stop in advance—it's safer and more worry-free. Remembering this little tip can save you a lot of trouble.