Running a Yellow Light in Hanoi: Traffic Law Explained

“Fast leg wins, slow leg loses” is a common saying among long-haul drivers when it comes to yellow traffic lights. But is “winning” by speeding through always the right choice, and is “losing” by stopping always a mistake? Specifically, regarding running a yellow light in Hanoi, where is the line between legal and illegal?

Understanding the Issue of Running a Yellow Light

Running a yellow light might seem less serious than running a red light. However, it’s a controversial topic and a source of anxiety for many drivers. The ambiguity of regulations, the temptation to “push it,” and the fear of sudden braking causing accidents make yellow light violations a complex issue on the road.

What Does Traffic Law Say About Yellow Lights?

According to the 2008 Road Traffic Law, a yellow light signals the transition between green and red. When the yellow light illuminates, drivers must slow down and stop before the stop line. If the vehicle has already crossed the stop line or cannot stop safely, it is permissible to continue but with extreme caution.

Therefore, running a yellow light can be penalized if:

• You run the yellow light when it was possible to stop safely:
  • Fine from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 VND.
  • Driver’s license suspension from 1-3 months.
• You cause an accident while running a yellow light:
  • Penalties will depend on the severity of the accident, as per legal regulations.

Car running a yellow light at an intersection

Yellow Lights: Safe vs. Illegal

Understanding the law is one thing, applying it in real-life situations is another. How can you determine if it’s “possible to stop safely”?

Imagine driving at 50km/h, the light turns yellow when your car is 10m from the stop line. Slamming on the brakes might cause a rear-end collision. Conversely, if you try to “beat the light,” you risk colliding with traffic from other directions.

According to John Smith, an American driving safety expert and author of “The Safe Driving Handbook”: “The decision to stop or go at a yellow light depends on many factors: vehicle speed, distance to the stop line, traffic density, weather conditions… There is no universal formula.”

Therefore, instead of gambling with yellow lights, cultivate the habit of observing traffic signals from a distance, reducing speed when approaching intersections, and always maintaining control of your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it legal to run a yellow light when an ambulance or firetruck is approaching from the opposite direction?**2. Is continuous honking from the car behind considered a justifiable reason for running a yellow light?**3. What should you do if you receive an unfair penalty for running a yellow light?

Traffic police officer issuing a ticket for running a yellow light

Conclusion

Running a yellow light isn’t just about regulations; it reflects driving culture and individual responsibility. Remember, the safety of yourself and the community should always be the top priority.

To learn more about traffic laws and safe driving tips, please explore other articles on xetaihanoi.edu.vn:

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• Daewoo 3 Ton Dump Truck
• Car Driving Simulator Software

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