Will there be any consequences if I pass through the intersection the moment the traffic light turns from yellow to red?
2 Answers
Passing through the intersection the moment the traffic light turns from yellow to red is considered running a red light. Here are the relevant details: Indications of 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 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. Important notes: Vehicles should stop when the yellow light is on, and failing to do so constitutes a traffic violation. If any part of the vehicle has crossed the stop line when the yellow light comes on, the vehicle may continue through the intersection. If the vehicle has not crossed the stop line, it should brake and stop, even if it means stopping beyond the crosswalk—as long as the vehicle stops, no penalty will be imposed.
I've been driving for over a decade and have seen many drivers rushing through at the very moment the yellow light turns red, which often leads to trouble. In traffic rules, the yellow light is a warning signal, meaning you should prepare to stop, not accelerate through. If you pass through at that critical moment, even if you make it across the intersection, rear cameras or traffic police systems may have already recorded it as running a red light. Breaking the law means facing penalties—not just fines but also demerit points. I’ve personally seen a friend get fined 200 yuan and lose 6 points for this. More seriously, it creates safety hazards, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions, and the consequences of an accident could be unthinkable. When driving, I recommend developing the habit of slowing down and stopping when the yellow light comes on—don’t gamble for those few seconds. Safety always comes first.
