Is it allowed to pass during the three-second yellow light?
3 Answers
If the vehicle has crossed the stop line before the yellow light turns on, it is allowed to pass. If not, it is not allowed. In fact, when the yellow light turns on, it indicates that the driver should slow down and stop the vehicle in time, and should not force through the intersection. However, if the driver's speed is too fast to slow down in time, the vehicle may pass through the intersection during the three-second yellow light. If the vehicle body has not crossed the stop line before the yellow light turns on, this is considered running a yellow light. At intersections, there are often electronic police monitoring vehicle behavior. The electronic police will activate two seconds after the yellow light turns on, so when the red light turns on, the electronic police shooting system is already in an activated state. If the driver has already passed the intersection before the red light turns on, the electronic police will not capture three photos, and the driver will not be considered running a red light.
When I see a yellow light for three seconds, I usually choose to stop. The rule is clear: a yellow light is a warning signal, and you must prepare to stop unless you can't stop before the stop line. Three seconds may sound short, but on the road, if the speed is high or the road is slippery, the braking distance may not be enough, and rushing through is very dangerous. I've been driving for decades, and when I was young, I once tried to rush through a yellow light and almost collided with cross traffic, which scared me so much that I never dared to take the risk again. Nowadays, with heavy traffic, everyone rushing through yellow lights only increases congestion and the risk of accidents. Safety always comes first. Stopping and waiting for a red light may take an extra few dozen seconds, but it's better than having an accident. After developing this habit, my driving record has remained spotless.
I occasionally go through yellow lights when they have three seconds left, depending on the situation. If I'm driving slowly and close to the intersection, and feel I can safely make it, I'll go for it. The three seconds is just a rough estimate—some places have longer yellows, giving enough time to pass smoothly. However, if there's heavy traffic or poor visibility, I always brake and stop. I know traffic laws recommend stopping, but during rush hour, waiting too long can be frustrating, so I only do it when it's absolutely safe. The key is to always assess road conditions and not blindly follow others. I've done this a few times without issues, but I know it's somewhat risky. I recommend everyone evaluate their own situation before deciding.
