Can you drive through a yellow light in NC or should you stop? Here’s the law
There are two types of drivers in North Carolina: those who slow down when they see a yellow light, and those who mash the gas.
Drivers who like to take chances may get to their destinations faster, but they could also face hefty fines for speeding if there are police officers around.
But are you required to slow down and stop as soon as the yellow light pops up in North Carolina, or are you allowed to continue driving through as long as the light isn’t red?
Here’s what North Carolina state laws say on the matter.
Can you get a ticket for running a yellow light in NC?
Drivers can get tickets for running yellow lights in some states, but North Carolina is not one of them, according to Charlotte-based law firm Browning & Long.
In North Carolina, state law says a yellow light is a warning that a light will turn red soon.
However, if a light is red by the time you run it, you could face a fine of up to $100, and points on your driving and insurance records.
What if the light is flashing yellow?
When approaching an intersection with a flashing yellow light, drivers should “proceed through the intersection with caution, yielding the right-of-way to vehicles in or approaching the intersection,” state law says.
Drivers are required to stop and yield the right-of-way to approaching vehicles at intersections with flashing red lights, similar to a four-way stop, according to state law.
When is it legal to run red lights?
Cars must always stop at red lights, but there is a rule that allows motorcyclists to run red lights in North Carolina.
If a rider waits at a red light for at least three minutes and it doesn’t change, the state’s safe-on-red law says they can proceed through the light carefully if there are no other drivers approaching the intersection.
The law is in place due to traffic signal sensors not always recognizing motorcycles.
This story was originally published August 3, 2023 at 6:30 AM with the headline "Can you drive through a yellow light in NC or should you stop? Here’s the law."
