
It varies depending on the location and situation, but generally, the red light duration is between 10 to 120 seconds. Here is some relevant information about running a red light: 1. Six situations of running a red light: stopping immediately after crossing the line at a red light; running a red light under the direction of a traffic officer; stopping after the entire vehicle body crosses the line at a red light; reversing after stopping beyond the line; "accidentally" running a red light after following a large vehicle; proceeding through an intersection when the light turns yellow. 2. Penalty rules: Regardless of the reason, running a red light is a violation of the law and will be punished accordingly. To determine if a vehicle has run a red light, three photos are required as evidence. On October 8, 2012, the Ministry of Public Security revised and issued the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," increasing the penalty points for violations such as running a red light from 3 to 6 points.

As a driver with over a decade of experience, I remember that urban intersection red lights are typically set between 20 to 30 seconds, depending on location and time period. For example, during morning rush hours at busy downtown intersections, red lights may extend to 40-60 seconds to allow more pedestrians to cross safely; in suburban or smaller intersections, they're shorter, usually around 10-20 seconds. I think this design is quite reasonable to avoid traffic chaos. Additionally, if red lights are too long, some drivers may become impatient—actually, turning off the engine during this time can save fuel and is better for the environment. In short, every time I stop, I make it a habit to observe the surrounding traffic flow and estimate the seconds, which is important for cultivating patient driving habits. In special circumstances like severe weather, red light durations may be adjusted for safety.

In my daily driving experience, the average duration of red lights ranges from 25 to 45 seconds, with particularly busy intersections even reaching 70 seconds. Setting this timing takes into account factors like road width and vehicle speed. For instance, red lights near highway exits are shorter, around 15 seconds, while school zones extend up to 50 seconds to ensure children's safety. I've also noticed that excessively long red lights increase idling fuel consumption, so I usually manually turn on the air conditioning to reduce emissions. When approaching a changing light while driving, I slow down in advance to avoid sudden braking, which can affect the car's lifespan. In summary, understanding red light settings can help better plan trips and reduce traffic anxiety.

As a beginner, I initially found the red light durations inconsistent - around 10 seconds at small intersections, while major roads could be 30 seconds. Once during rush hour downtown, I waited nearly 40 seconds and got so nervous my palms sweated. Later I learned to check the navigation countdown for peace of mind. This flexible red light design prevents accidents - remember never to rush through.

In daily life, I've noticed significant variations in red light durations across different areas—25 to 60 seconds on arterial roads versus around 15 seconds in residential zones. This design balances traffic flow efficiency while giving pedestrians adequate buffer time with longer red lights. I've developed the habit of turning off music at red lights to conserve battery, and also take the opportunity for minor vehicle maintenance checks.


