Can You Run a Yellow Light?

Q: If I enter an intersection on a yellow light, and it turns red before I get through, have I run a red light? Or does it have to be red before I enter to be a violation of the law? Or is running a yellow light a thing?

A: If I said yes, running a yellow light is a thing, would it change the way you drive? If it would, maybe it’s time to do some self-reflection regarding your driving habits.

The actual answer to this question depends on which state you’re in. I’ll assume we’re in Washington because, well, that’s where I am and those are the traffic laws I’m familiar with. But you should know that in a handful of other states, including our neighbor to the south, Oregon, the rules are different.

Yellow light laws fit into two general categories: permissive and restrictive. With permissive laws, like in Washington, the yellow light is a warning that a red light is coming and, as soon as it’s on, you’re not allowed to enter the intersection. In states with restrictive laws, like Oregon, drivers are required to stop at a yellow light unless they’re unable to do it safely. If you’re too close to the intersection to stop safely, you’re allowed to “drive cautiously through the intersection.” In Oregon, yes, running a yellow light is a thing.

Functionally though, it shouldn’t make much difference in how you drive. Consider the following situations: Say you’re still a good bit away from the intersection when the light changes to yellow; you know there’s no way you could get through in time so you slow down and stop at the intersection. Or, the light changes when you’re almost at the intersection; you know there’s no way to stop without slamming on your brakes so you continue through the intersection. But there’s that third situation when the light switches to yellow and you think, “I bet I can make it.” If part of that bet involves speeding up to beat the red light you’ve violated the law.

That’s because Washington’s laws on vehicle speed have a bit about what to do at intersections. (And I suspect many drivers don’t know this one.) It states that drivers shall “drive at an appropriate reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection.” Yes, we’re required to slow down as we approach an intersection. I’ll note that this law isn’t specific to yellow lights, or even any kind of lights or other traffic control.

Drivers are also required to stop at a yellow light for pedestrians that are lawfully in the intersection. If you have a green or yellow light there shouldn’t be any pedestrians crossing your lane, but if you’re intending to turn left or right, pedestrians may be crossing the street you’re turning on to. In that case, don’t pull into the intersection and wait for them; stop at the stop line.

And even though that law only references pedestrians that are “lawfully” crossing the street, you should, to the best of your ability, stop to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. Do it because you’re a good human, and because there’s another law that requires drivers to “exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway.”

To wrap it all up, the appropriate course of action at a yellow light might depend on your proximity to the intersection, but when you consider all the circumstances and the inherent risk of driving through an intersection, the best choice is usually heeding the warning of the yellow light and coming to a stop.