How many seconds is a red light generally?
2 Answers
In China, the intervals for traffic lights are generally 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 45 seconds, or 60 seconds, but some cities have intervals of 90 seconds. Each city is different, and even within the same city, the duration of traffic lights varies at different intersections, designed based on comprehensive consideration of pedestrian and vehicle flow. Generally, the red light duration does not exceed 180 seconds. Only in special circumstances such as accident clearance, special security details, or manual intervention for traffic control will the red light duration exceed 180 seconds. Consecutive red lights are not a signal malfunction but a form of manual intervention, an important measure to regulate green light duration based on traffic pressure from various directions. Relevant provisions of the traffic laws: 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. Vehicles and pedestrians must follow traffic signals; when directed by traffic police on-site, they must follow the police's instructions; on roads without traffic signals, they must proceed under the principle of ensuring safety and smooth flow. Pedestrians crossing intersections or roads should use crosswalks or pedestrian facilities; when crossing at signalized crosswalks, they must follow the traffic signals; when crossing at intersections without traffic signals or crosswalks, or on road sections without pedestrian facilities, they must ensure safety before proceeding.
To be honest, there's no fixed duration for red lights. Having driven for over a decade myself, I've noticed that at regular intersections, red lights typically last around 30 to 40 seconds. During peak hours with heavy traffic, they might shorten to just over 20 seconds as traffic authorities aim to keep vehicles moving quickly. At night or in less congested areas, the duration could extend beyond 50 seconds, giving you time to catch your breath or organize your things. Remembering these variations is crucial—rushing through could easily lead to accidents. I recommend paying attention to differences between intersections: downtown areas often have shorter red lights requiring full concentration, while suburban areas with longer red lights are better suited for checking your vehicle's condition or listening to music. Driving is all about adapting to the rhythm of traffic signals for a smoother journey.
