Can I be fined for running a yellow light?
Increasing numbers of motorists are being caught running yellow lights at intersections across South Australia, latest police figures show.
Last year police pulled over 535 drivers for failing to stop when approaching a yellow light, resulting in 363 cautions and 172 fines. This was more than double the number of yellow light offences recorded in 2012, when 161 cautions and 105 fines were issued. As a result, the total value of fines for running yellow lights has also increased, from $48,070 in 2012 to $87,658 last year, police records revealed. RAA spokesman Graeme O’Dea said many motorists weren’t aware that the Australian Road Rules require them to stop when approaching a yellow traffic light, if it is safe to do so. Yellow light offences are only detected by police and not fixed safety cameras.
The penalty for breaking this rule is a $454 fine, a $60 Victims of Crime levy and three demerit points. “The penalties are the same for running a yellow light as they are for a red light for a reason – road safety,” Mr O’Dea said.“Motorists are advised to understand the significance of a yellow light and not adopt the attitude of ‘I better hurry up because there’s a red light coming’. “The dangers of running a yellow light from a road safety point of view are that the drivers increase the risk of a collision at an intersection.”