Is Passing Through After the Yellow Light Comes On Considered Running a Red Light?
4 Answers
Yes, it is considered running a red light. Both running a yellow light and running a red light fall under the same traffic violation—driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal regulations. According to Article 90 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," drivers who fail to obey traffic signals will be penalized with 6 demerit points and a fine of 200 yuan. The "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," Article 26, stipulates: 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. The "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," Article 38, specifies the meanings of motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle traffic signals: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle traffic signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Electronic surveillance captures red-light violations based on the following three photos, which are reviewed by traffic police to determine whether a violation occurred: An image of the vehicle not having passed the stop line when the red light is on. An image of the vehicle's front wheels crossing the stop line. An image of the vehicle's entire body having crossed the stop line. If these three photos show that the vehicle moved beyond the stop line while the red light was on, the traffic police can confirm it as a red-light violation during review. To avoid running a yellow light: Slow down when approaching an intersection, maintain a speed of 20–30 km/h, keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and avoid tailgating or rushing through the yellow light. Alternatively, pay attention to the traffic signals in advance—observe the duration of the green light when it is on. If traffic is light and the green light has been on for a long time, prepare to slow down.
I've been driving for over a decade. Passing through after the yellow light comes on doesn't count as running a red light. In the rules, the yellow light is a warning light, meaning "prepare to stop," not telling you to speed up. It mainly depends on the situation: if the car is too close to the stop line and slamming on the brakes is unsafe, like when the road is slippery or there's a car behind you, you can slowly pass through. When I drive in the city, if the yellow light flashes and I judge I can make it, I go through, and I've never been fined. However, be careful—if your car's rear hasn't crossed the line the moment the yellow turns red, it counts as running a red light. I often see new drivers rushing through yellow lights and causing accidents—it's too dangerous. I think driving should be steady; when the yellow light comes on, it's best to get used to slowing down and preparing to stop to avoid accidents. Safety comes first.
From a regulatory perspective, running a red light is only considered a violation when the vehicle crosses the stop line while the light is red. Passing through during a yellow light does not count as running a red light, but the vehicle must legally enter the intersection during the yellow phase. The law states that drivers should stop if they can do so safely when seeing a yellow light, and only proceed if stopping is not feasible. In enforcement, it's common for drivers to accelerate during a yellow light, resulting in crossing the line just as it turns red, which is then fined as running a red light. The key lies in the evidence captured by the photo system: your position when the yellow light is on and whether stopping was safe. I believe in adhering to the rules—a yellow light is not an opportunity to rush but a safety buffer. Developing the habit of stopping reduces risks.
When learning to drive, the instructor said passing through after the yellow light comes on doesn't count as running a red light. The yellow light means a warning that you should prepare to stop. If your car is too close to the line to stop safely, for example if you're very near, then proceed smoothly without sudden braking which could be dangerous. But at first I was afraid of misjudging and worried that crossing would count as a violation. Later I understood that as long as you completely pass through during the yellow light period, it's fine. Safety comes first - when encountering a yellow light you should prepare to stop unless absolutely necessary. It's good to drive cautiously.
