Red-light violations surge as traffic accidents double

[Photo: Lynzy Valles]

Red-light running cases are on the rise, with 3,737 recorded in the first five months of this year – already more than half of last year’s total of 5,803 – resulting in 24 accidents and 21 injuries, police said.

According to the Public Security Police Force (PSP), red-light violations surged 83.1% to 3,737 in the first five months of this year, compared with 2,041 in the same period last year, with 5,803 cases recorded for the whole of 2025.

Regarding traffic accidents attributable to red-light violations, 48 such incidents were recorded in 2025, resulting in 40 injuries. During the January-to-May period of 2026, 24 red-light-related accidents were recorded, involving 21 injuries – representing increases of 100% and 61.5%, respectively, compared with the 12 accidents and 13 injuries recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

The police have observed that some motorists have developed a habit of anticipating traffic signal changes and are advising drivers to remain vigilant and attentive to road conditions at all times.

Given that the majority of Macau’s smart traffic lights adjust their timing dynamically in response to real-time traffic flow, drivers are cautioned against making assumptions about signal changes.

Pursuant to the Traffic Law, drivers who fail to obey a red light or disregard a mandatory stop signal are liable to a fine of up to MOP10,000 and a driving disqualification of up to six months.

Meanwhile, traffic hotspot data shows 3,426 traffic accidents were recorded during the first quarter of this year, with no fatalities recorded. Among the identified hotspots, Avenida do Nordeste – which is currently undergoing construction of an overhead walkway – recorded 39 accidents involving 74 vehicles and 20 injuries.

Careless turning was identified as the primary cause, accounting for 14 cases. Praça de Jorge Álvares recorded 19 accidents – all attributable to careless turning – involving 34 vehicles and 4 injuries.

In the outlying islands, the Rotunda do Istmo recorded the highest number of accidents, with 54 incidents involving 104 vehicles and 17 injuries – primarily attributed to unsafe following distances and careless turning. The Rotunda do Estádio ranked second, with 23 accidents involving 45 vehicles and 12 injuries, also predominantly caused by failure to maintain adequate distance.

With respect to injury-related accident hotspots, Avenida do Nordeste ranked highest on the peninsula with 13 cases, while Rotunda do Istmo led the islands with 15 cases. The roads with the highest accident counts were Avenida do Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues and the Amizade Bridge, each recording 75 accidents, followed by Estrada do Istmo with 69 accidents, and Avenida de Wai Long and Sai Van Bridge with 61 and 57 accidents, respectively.