Opinion | Don't run a yellow light? Chinese motorists attack new rule that 'causes accidents'
A new traffic regulation banning drivers from running yellow lights that went into effect in China on Tuesday has baffled – and even angered – many motorists.
Is yellow the new red? In China, running yellow traffic lights is officially illegal.
China’s new traffic regulation that went into effect on Tuesday bans motor vehicles from running yellow lights, but it has also left drivers across the nation confused, sceptical and even angry.
Drivers who are caught crossing an intersection on a yellow light now face severe penalties. In the past, a driver who ran a red would lose three points, in a 12-point system (those who lose all of their points must undergo training and pass an exam).
Under the new rule, running a red or a yellow light means losing a whopping six points. Offenders would also have to pay a maximum fine of 200 yuan (HK$248), China’s People’s Daily reported on Tuesday .
Authorities believe this new rule will curb the number of traffic violations, but many drivers argue it will only create more chaos and congestion.
“I was five metres from the line when the light suddenly turned yellow,” said the post, “but it was impossible to stop even though I was only going around 35km/h.”
