Is Running a Yellow Light Considered Running a Red Light?
2 Answers
Running a yellow light and running a red light are both considered the same traffic violation—driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal regulations. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," this offense is punishable by a fine and a deduction of 6 points from the driver's license. Article 26 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: 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 "Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulates: A yellow light serves as a warning, and motor vehicles should slow down when approaching an intersection. If a vehicle has already crossed the stop line when the yellow light turns on, it may continue to pass; otherwise, it should stop. 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 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 signal indications. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Electronic traffic enforcement captures red-light violations based on the following three photos, which are reviewed by traffic police to determine whether a red light was run: 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 pressing against 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 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 a yellow light. Alternatively, pay attention to the traffic signal in advance; observe the duration of the green light—if traffic is light and the green light lasts longer, prepare to slow down.
As a veteran driver with 15 years of experience, I've encountered many similar situations. Generally, going through a yellow light isn't directly considered running a red light. The law defines it as a violation only when you enter the intersection after the light has turned red. A yellow light is actually a transitional signal meant to remind you to prepare to stop, not to speed through. The key factors are your distance and speed: if you're close to the intersection and braking suddenly could cause a rear-end collision, then proceeding safely is reasonable; if you're far away and still force your way through, it could be dangerous, and if you cross the red light timing point, you might get photographed and fined with penalty points. From experience, don't take risks just to save time—I once nearly hit pedestrians and cyclists because I didn't handle a yellow light properly. Intersections often have cameras, so it's best to develop the habit of slowing down early. To summarize my driving philosophy: stop early at yellow lights, and driving steadily is the safest approach.
