Will stopping to drop off passengers at a traffic light intersection result in penalty points?
2 Answers
Stopping to drop off passengers at a traffic light intersection will result in penalty points, as it is a traffic violation. According to relevant traffic regulations, vehicles are prohibited from stopping at intersections, railway crossings, sharp curves, narrow roads less than 4 meters wide, bridges, steep slopes, tunnels, or within 50 meters of these locations. Regulations for temporary parking of motor vehicles on roads: Parking is prohibited in sections with no-parking signs or markings, in road sections with separation facilities between motor vehicle lanes and non-motor vehicle lanes or sidewalks, as well as at crosswalks and construction zones. Parking is prohibited at intersections, railway crossings, sharp curves, narrow roads less than 4 meters wide, bridges, steep slopes, tunnels, or within 50 meters of these locations. Parking is prohibited in front of bus stops, emergency stations, gas stations, fire hydrants, or fire stations (including within 30 meters of these locations), except when using these facilities. Doors should not be opened or passengers allowed to board or alight before the vehicle comes to a complete stop, and opening doors should not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. City buses are not allowed to stop to pick up or drop off passengers outside designated bus stops.
Last time I dropped off a friend right at the intersection and got fined. You absolutely cannot stop to drop off passengers within 30 meters of an intersection, regardless of whether it's a red light or not. The cameras captured it clearly, resulting in 3 penalty points and a 200 yuan fine. If a police officer happens to be nearby, they might even warn you on the spot about the dangers of obstructing traffic. I've learned my lesson—now I'd rather drive around to a nearby gas station or side road to stop. It's safer and avoids getting caught on camera. The most important thing when picking someone up is to choose a legal parking spot. Stopping randomly before a crosswalk really isn't worth it.
