What is the ruling on running a traffic light?

Question:
Does running a traffic light reach the level of being forbidden? Please issue a ruling for us, may Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
Yes, running a traffic light is forbidden because of the danger involved; for one may run the light and either crash into someone or be crashed into, and this exposes lives to destruction and killing. It is a harm to the Muslims, and it is also a disobedience to the one in authority who ordered it for the public benefit. Therefore, it is not permissible because of the many dangers involved. At the very least, it is a disobedience to the order of the one in authority for the benefit of the Muslims. Obedience and submission to the one in authority is an obligatory command, as is well known. It is obligatory to obey and submit to the one in authority in what is right, in matters that are in the interest of the Muslims. This is among the greatest interests of the Muslims. Furthermore, it is dangerous: one may crash into someone or be crashed into while thinking that he will be safe.