Is running a yellow light considered a traffic violation for motor vehicles?
2 Answers
Running a yellow light is considered a traffic violation. The newly implemented "Traffic Safety Management Penalty Regulations" Trial Article 254 clearly stipulates that running a yellow light will result in penalties such as demerit points. The purpose of the yellow light: Running a yellow light is generally subject to on-the-spot penalties. A yellow light is a transitional signal that serves as a warning, indicating to drivers that the signal is about to change. Penalties for running a yellow light: According to regulations, when the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to pass, while vehicles that have not crossed the stop line should stop within the stop line and wait. Running a yellow light is also a traffic violation, with the same penalty standards as running a red light. According to the latest revised "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," running a red light results in 6 demerit points and a fine.
Having driven for nearly a decade, my experience tells me that a yellow light is not a signal to speed through. When the yellow light comes on, if your car has already passed the stop line, you can continue driving without it being considered a violation. However, if you're still some distance away from the line, you should brake and stop immediately. Otherwise, it counts as running a yellow light, which is treated the same as running a red light—expect a ticket, typically a 6-point deduction and a 200 RMB fine. I remember when I first started driving, I got caught rushing a yellow light in the city once—a lesson I won't forget. Now, I pay attention to the car ahead and maintain enough distance. A short yellow light is just a reminder to slow down. To sum up, safe driving is the priority. Don’t risk it to save a few seconds, as it can easily lead to rear-end collisions or accidents. Developing the habit of slowing down saves both peace of mind and money.
