Does stopping with the front wheels over the line in the last second of the yellow light count as running a red light?
2 Answers
Stopping with the front wheels over the line in the last second of the yellow light does not count as running a red light. The so-called last second of the yellow light refers to the moment when the yellow light is about to turn red. Just before the red light: If the driver has completely crossed the stop line the moment the light turns red, continuing to drive forward will not be considered running a red light. As for whether other penalties will be imposed, that depends on local regulations. The instant the yellow light changes: If only the front of the car has crossed the stop line the moment the yellow light turns red, the car must be stopped at this point. This is similar to determining whether a red light has been run—only the front of the car crossing the stop line does not count as running a red light. In general, when the yellow light comes on, you should slow down and stop.
Let me address this question from the perspective of traffic regulations. According to China's traffic laws, a yellow light serves as a warning signal, alerting drivers to prepare to stop. If your vehicle's front wheels have crossed the stop line before the last second of the yellow light and you immediately come to a complete halt without proceeding further, this generally does not count as running a red light. Running a red light specifically refers to situations where the vehicle's front wheels haven't crossed the stop line when the light turns red yet the vehicle proceeds past it. Stopping after crossing on yellow without moving the vehicle further and without causing any accidents typically wouldn't be considered a violation. However, specific circumstances depend on the intersection - if your stopping maneuver obstructs other vehicles or pedestrians, officers may issue a warning or even a fine. I believe the key is to develop good driving habits: when the yellow light appears, make a decisive stop if you still have time, avoiding risky attempts to rush through as yellow lights turn red very quickly. I remember once at an intersection when I stopped after crossing on yellow, the car behind honked aggressively, but safety always takes precedence over haste.
