Will stopping at a green light with 6 seconds left result in penalty points?

[VanElena]

Stopping at a green light with 6 seconds remaining will not result in penalty points. Below is relevant information: Light colors: Initially, there were only red and green colors. After improvements, a yellow light was added. The red light means stop, the yellow light means prepare, and the green light means go. The choice of these three colors for traffic signals is related to human visual structure and psychological reactions. The human retina contains rod cells and three types of cone cells. Rod cells are particularly sensitive to yellow light, while the three types of cone cells are most sensitive to red, green, and blue light, respectively. Due to this visual structure, humans can most easily distinguish between red and green. Although yellow and blue are also distinguishable, since there are fewer light-sensitive cells in the eye for blue light, red and green remain the optimal choices for color distinction. Traffic signals: At intersections, red, yellow, and green traffic signals are displayed on all sides, serving as silent "traffic police." Traffic lights are internationally standardized. A red light is a stop signal, and a green light is a go signal. At intersections, vehicles from multiple directions converge—some going straight, others turning. The traffic lights dictate who proceeds first. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from going straight or turning left, but right turns are allowed if they do not obstruct pedestrians or other vehicles. When the green light is on, vehicles may proceed straight or turn. When the yellow light is on, vehicles should stop at the intersection stop line or within the crosswalk if they cannot safely continue. A flashing yellow light warns drivers to proceed with caution.

[VonCameron]

I just experienced this the other day. There were still 6 seconds left on the green light countdown when the car in front suddenly braked to a stop, almost causing me to rear-end them. Later, I specifically asked a traffic police friend about it, and he said this situation is completely legal—stopping at a green light won’t result in points deducted. As long as you stop before the light fully turns red, it’s not a violation. However, you need to pay special attention to your position: the entire vehicle must stop within the stop line. If the front of the car crosses the line and then reverses back, it might be caught by cameras as running a red light. Also, not moving when the light is green counts as failing to follow traffic signals, but stopping within 6 seconds doesn’t fall under this category. If the car behind honks, don’t panic—safety comes first.

[LaKennedy]

Last week while driving a taxi, I encountered this situation: seeing 6 seconds left on the green light when still some distance from the intersection, I chose to stop steadily and wait for the next cycle. With ten years of driving experience, I've figured this maneuver mainly depends on two points: first, not affecting cross traffic flow, and second, avoiding stopping in the middle of the intersection. A completely legal stop won't result in fines or demerit points, but if you stop on the crosswalk or in the middle of the road obstructing traffic, police might issue an illegal parking ticket. Also, a reminder to new drivers: don't blindly follow veteran drivers' advice about 'squeezing through the tail end of a green light' – waiting one extra light cycle is always better than getting a ticket, and safer too.

[LaCamilla]

Stopping when there are six seconds left on the green light is completely legal. According to Article 38 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law, a green light indicates permission to proceed, but does not mandate that vehicles must proceed. Stopping during the green light cycle falls within the normal exercise of right-of-way. Two key points should be noted: 1. The stopping position must be behind the stop line; 2. If the vehicle has already crossed the stop line, it should continue through the intersection rather than braking abruptly. Last year, I handled a similar appeal case where surveillance footage showed the vehicle coming to a complete stop behind the stop line at the fifth second of the green light, and it was ultimately not deemed a violation. In such cases, no points or fines will be imposed.

[VivienneRose]

As a traffic police officer on duty, I often handle such inquiries. Let me make it clear to you: Stopping during the last 6 seconds of a green light countdown is not only legal but also a good safety practice. Electronic police systems require three photos to penalize running a red light: front wheels crossing the line, rear wheels crossing the line, and entering the opposite intersection. As long as you come to a complete stop within the stop line while the light is still green, no violation photos will be captured. However, pay attention to two special scenarios: First, rolling past the line after stopping might trigger the camera. Second, large trucks require longer braking distances. Remember, it's always better to wait three minutes than to rush one second.