How many seconds is the red light generally set for?
2 Answers
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.
