The widespread controversy arising from a traffic regulation that extends severer penalties to drivers running yellow lights highlights the need for traffic authorities to conduct a timely review of the revised regulation and take measures to increase its operability.

According to the new rule that came into force on Tuesday, drivers caught crossing an intersection on a yellow light will be treated the same as those running a red light and lose six points. Losing 12 points within a year means a driver will need to take new training courses and pass an exam. Under the old regulation, drivers received no penalty if they crossed an intersection on a yellow light.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, fewer traffic violations have been reported since the implementation of the new regulation, a result that is used to justify its claim that the rule is aimed at curbing such violations.