Is running an amber light a traffic violation?

Running an amber light is not a traffic violation. Federal regulations state that a ticket may only be issued if a driver enters an intersection after the light has turned red, according to FindLaw.

Controversy grew over the length of amber, or yellow, traffic lights following the introduction of red light cameras, which take photos of drivers in the intersection when running a red light, as FindLaw explains. Significant numbers of drivers claimed that the duration of yellow lights was reduced to allow more red light tickets to be issued. All jurisdictions were subsequently required to comply by 2014 with regulations governing the duration of yellow lights.