Seeing red over yellow light rule(2)

Netizens argue that yellow lights lose their meaning of warning drivers if running a yellow light is punished the same as running a red light. Some suggested installing a countdown signal light to remind drivers, and to prepare them for the yellow lights.

The Shenzhen police said on their blog on Tuesday evening that they will not punish drivers who run yellow traffic lights.

The police explained in a later post that the camera system does not photograph drivers running yellow lights. In addition, there is no standard length of time a yellow light lasts.

Li, from the Ministry of Public Security, told CCTV that fewer traffic rule violations had been seen in the past two days, and he atttributed that to the new regulation.

Beijing Evening News reported on Wednesday that traffic violations in Tianjin decreased by nearly 30 percent since the new regulation was implemented.

Along with the controversial rule on yellow traffic lights, the revised regulation also strictly punishes speeding, covering license plates, making phone calls while driving and drunken driving.

Luo Ren, an experienced driver from Chongqing, said the new regulation is a relief to him.

"I have less concern on the road. There is no such thing as being too cautious while driving. People are forced to be more careful when they face severe penalties, which is good. I feel safer, for myself, and my daughter, who is a green hand as a driver," he said.

Under the new regulation, drivers who intentionally cover their license plate can lose 12 points, enough for their licenses to be suspended.

In Zhejiang, most penalties on Tuesday were for drivers who covered their license plates. In Weifang, Shandong province, nearly 50 drivers were fined for making phone calls while driving on Tuesday, according to Beijing Evening Post.