Discover how the US, UK and China punish drivers who run a yellow light, with fines, points and court cases. Learn the rules now!
Running a yellow light is a hot‑topic for drivers worldwide. While many motorists view the amber phase as a chance to “beat the light,” most jurisdictions treat it as a serious traffic offence. Below we break down how the United States, the United Kingdom and China handle yellow‑light violations, from fines to licence points.
United States
American traffic law varies by state, but the concept of a yellow light is generally split into two categories:
- Permissive Yellow: Drivers may enter the intersection if the front wheels have already crossed the stop line when the light turns amber.
- Restricted Yellow: Entering the intersection during amber is considered a violation.
States such as California, Texas and Florida follow the permissive rule, allowing the vehicle to continue if the front wheels are past the stop line. However, if you are caught accelerating deliberately or failing to obey the signal, the penalties can climb quickly because base fines are stacked with administrative fees, court costs and state surcharges.
Typical fines include:
- California: $480 – $650 (plus fees)
- Oregon, Virginia, Michigan, Iowa (restricted yellow): $265 – $440
In addition to monetary penalties, many states add points to your driver’s record, which can raise insurance premiums.
United Kingdom
Under Rule 175 of the Highway Code, drivers must stop before the white line when a traffic light turns amber, unless stopping would cause a crash or the vehicle has already crossed the line.
Those who deliberately accelerate through an amber signal are labelled “amber gamblers.” The standard penalty is a £100 fine (roughly $120) and a deduction of three licence points. Accumulating 12 points within three years leads to a temporary loss of driving privileges.
If the amber‑light offence results in an accident, the driver can be charged with dangerous driving, facing fines over £1,100 (about $1,400) and possible court action.
Nearly every UK junction is equipped with red‑light cameras that automatically capture amber‑light violations. The ticket (NIP) is mailed to the driver within 14 days.
China
China enforces strict penalties for deliberately running a yellow light. The law distinguishes between vehicles whose front wheels have already crossed the stop line when the light turns amber (allowed) and those that enter the intersection after the amber begins (treated as a red‑light offence).
Fines range from 200 – 500 CNY (approximately $30 – $70), though some major cities set the amount at about 100 USD. In addition, six points are deducted from the driver’s licence.
The regulation aims to curb the dangerous habit of sudden braking at the last moment, which often leads to rear‑end collisions.
Bottom Line
Across the globe, authorities treat the amber phase as a safety buffer, not a free‑for‑all. Whether you face a few hundred dollars in the United States, a £100 ticket and points in the United Kingdom, or a modest fine in China, the message is clear: obey the yellow light or risk heavy penalties and jeopardised safety.