In Which Cases Is Riding a Motorcycle Through a Yellow Light Not Penalized?

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Clause e, Section 4, Article 6 of Decree 100/2019/ND-CP stipulates that drivers of motorcycles, mopeds (including electric motorcycles), vehicles similar to motorcycles, and mopeds who violate the traffic signal rules will be subject to a fine ranging from 600,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND.

Thus, from 2020, drivers of motorcycles, mopeds (including electric motorcycles), vehicles similar to motorcycles, and mopeds who do not comply with traffic signal rules may face a maximum fine of 1,000,000 VND. This penalty is 2.5 times higher than the previous fine under Decree 46/2016/ND-CP.

However, Clause 3, Article 10 of the Road Traffic Law 2008 and Article 10 of the National Technical Regulation on Road Signs QCVN 41:2016/BGTVT stipulate that traffic signals have three colors: green, red, and yellow.

The yellow signal indicates a transition from green to red. When the yellow signal is on, drivers must stop their vehicle before the “Stop Line”. If there is no “Stop Line”, they must stop before the traffic signal in their direction of travel. In cases where the vehicle has already approached or crossed the “Stop Line”, if stopping may cause danger, the vehicle must quickly proceed to clear the intersection.

This means that not in all cases when the traffic signal is yellow must all vehicles stop before the stop line. If stopping may cause danger and the vehicle has already approached or crossed the stop line, the vehicle is allowed to continue.

Moreover, QCVN 41:2016/BGTVT also specifies that in cases where the yellow signal is flashing, vehicles are allowed to proceed but must slow down, observe carefully, and yield to pedestrians crossing the road.

In summary, there are 02 cases where drivers running a yellow light are not fined due to non-violation:

- Case where the vehicle has already approached or crossed the “Stop Line”, if stopping may cause danger, the vehicle must quickly proceed to clear the intersection.- Case where the yellow signal is flashing, vehicles are allowed to proceed but must slow down, observe carefully, and yield to pedestrians crossing the road.

Toan Trung

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