Is Running a Yellow Light Considered Running a Red Light?

[Hallie]

Running a yellow light and running a red light are both categorized 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 of the People's Republic of China,' a fine of 200 RMB and 6 penalty points will be imposed. The yellow light at an intersection serves as a warning. Motor vehicles should slow down when approaching the intersection. If a vehicle has already crossed the stop line when the yellow light turns on, it may continue to pass through. However, if the vehicle has not yet crossed the stop line, it should come to a stop. Article 38 of the 'Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China' states the following for 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 through vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to pass through. 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 through 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 red light was run: An image of the vehicle not having passed the stop line when the red light turns 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 to prevent rear-end collisions or rushing through a 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 duration is long, prepare to slow down.