Does running through an intersection when the light turns red halfway through count as running a red light?
2 Answers
Running through an intersection when the light turns red halfway through does not count as running a red light, but rather as running a yellow light. Here are the relevant details: 1. Regulations: Article 38, Chapter 4 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states that a yellow light serves as a warning. When encountering an intersection, motor vehicles should slow down and proceed. If the vehicle has already crossed the stop line when the yellow light comes on, it may continue through. If it has not yet crossed the stop line, it should slow down and stop. Running a yellow light is considered a violation of traffic signal rules, resulting in a fine and 6 demerit points for the driver. 2. Intersections without non-motorized vehicle signals: At intersections without traffic signals for non-motorized vehicles or pedestrian crossings, non-motorized 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 obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians.
As a relatively new driver, I understand how nerve-wracking it can be when you're halfway through an intersection and the light turns from yellow to red. According to traffic regulations, this doesn't count as running a red light, as long as you had already entered or were so close to the intersection when the light turned yellow that you couldn't safely stop. Running a red light is defined as a vehicle crossing the stop line and beginning to move after the light has turned red. Traffic cameras require three consecutive photos to document a violation: the vehicle crossing the line on red, in the middle of the intersection, and continuing to move. So if you've already crossed the line on yellow, passing through on red won't trigger the camera. However, in actual driving, I'd advise against rushing through yellow lights—they're a warning signal, meant to prepare you to stop, not to accelerate. Developing the habit of slowing down early helps avoid risks and can prevent rear-end collisions. Safety should always come first; coming to a complete stop at intersections and waiting for the light to turn green again is more reassuring, especially at night or in rainy conditions when visibility is poor and accidents are more likely.
