Is entering the left-turn waiting area during a red light considered running a red light?
2 Answers
Entering the left-turn waiting area in advance during a left-turn red light is not considered running a red light. The following is expanded information about left-turn red lights: 1. The left-turn waiting area is only for left-turning vehicles: When the green light for straight-moving vehicles in the same direction is on, although the left-turn light is red, left-turning vehicles are allowed to enter the "left-turn waiting area" at the intersection and wait until the left-turn signal turns green before proceeding through the intersection. 2. The left-turn waiting line is not a "stop line": If the signal lights for both the straight lane and the left-turn lane are red, all vehicles must wait at the previous stop line. 3. In the left-turn waiting area: When the green light for the straight lane in the same direction is on, vehicles in the left-turn lane must move forward to the waiting area and wait for the signal light to change before turning.
Having driven trucks for over 30 years, I've traveled across most of China and know intersection rules inside out. The left-turn waiting area is specifically designed for left-turning vehicles. You can only enter it when the straight-going signal is green and the left-turn signal is red - it's not for all situations. If the left-turn signal is already red and you force your way into the waiting area, that counts as running a red light. Traffic cameras will catch you every time, with a 200-yuan fine and 6 penalty points being the minimum punishment. I did it once when I was young and in a hurry, only to be stopped and lectured by police who said the red signal means no passage - no exceptions. The rules are clear: Article 38 of traffic regulations explicitly prohibits running red lights, including this kind of improper movement. Safe driving depends on daily habits - watch signal changes more and rush less. Otherwise, a moment's inattention could cause an accident, harming both others and yourself - definitely not worth it.
