Mainland police in U-turn on new yellow traffic light rule

Mainland police have backed down from a controversial traffic regulation in which drivers could be fined and penalised for running yellow lights as if they had been red.

The Ministry of Public Security announced yesterday that drivers who ignore yellow traffic lights would receive only warnings and "education". No penalty would be given.

The announcement appears to be a compromise after the new traffic light rule that took effect on New Year's Day sparked a national outcry. Under the regulations, drivers caught passing through a yellow light could be fined and given six demerit points on their licence, or halfway to a suspension.

The ministry said its announcement was a response to the strong public reaction and promised to solicit public opinion before making further decisions about the rule.

Some drivers and internet users contended that the rules ran contrary to the laws of physics, as vehicles travelling at normal speeds simply cannot stop within seconds of seeing a yellow light. Some also argued the change could cause more accidents if drivers began stopping abruptly before yellow lights.

Beijing University professor Wu Bihu also openly challenged the ministry to provide its legal grounding for the rule.