Many drivers face a common dilemma at intersections: the sudden change from green to yellow at traffic lights without countdown timers. This situation often leaves drivers uncertain about how to proceed without violating traffic laws, especially when close to the stop line.

According to Regulation 41/2024, drivers must stop before the stop line when a yellow light appears. However, if a vehicle is already on or has passed the stop line when the light turns yellow, it is permitted to continue. This regulation aims to prevent abrupt stops that could cause rear-end collisions.

Contrasting this, Decree 168/2024 stipulates a fine of 18-20 million VND and a deduction of 4 license points for drivers who fail to comply with traffic light signals. This implies that if a driver cannot stop at a yellow light, a penalty is incurred, creating a conflict for drivers caught in difficult situations.

A reader, Quoc Truong, describes a personal experience illustrating this predicament: "I was following the car ahead when the light unexpectedly turned from green to yellow, as there was no countdown timer. At that moment, my car was only about 2-3 meters from the stop line. Even if I braked fully, I could not have stopped before the line."

Quoc Truong highlights the impossible choice: "Proceeding through the intersection would be a violation of not obeying the signal, but stopping past the line would also be a similar offense. So, I would like to ask if, in this situation, I would be considered to have run a yellow light. Additionally, I seek advice on how to drive safely in such circumstances."