Hi Wolfgang,
Yes, we can make the choice if we want to influence conditions to our advantage, while compromising some measure of honesty, or if we want to uphold the code of honesty within ourselves uncompromisingly, and thereby be willing to accept some slightly more inconvenient outer conditions, when others might exploit us. The way I see it, at least for myself, is that the more inner silence there is, the less attachment there will be to outer conditions, and the more I will value the "inner" codes of honesty, truth, reality etc. These codes feel like a strength. Even if others may deceive or exploit us, at least they can see the example that there is an alternative to playing the game where everyone works for their own benefit, or that of who they work for. And, some will get the message and meet us with more honesty if we take the initiative.
Interesting that you mention the red lights and the law. I have found myself in that situation too. I don't think that law in itself is stupid. If there were specific exemptions stated, when the red light could be passed depending on traffic volume, distance of free view etc., it would get too complicated and many would be tempted to compromise even those exemptions to their own advantage. We would probably have more accidents. I would use my own discernment. If I would think I had a justifiable reason to cross a red light, in an emergency or otherwise, I would do it. If I was in the middle of nowhere, with a red light, I might also just sit there to test my own willingness and patience to follow the outer law. I might discover something new about myself.
I don't see a straight correlation between following laws of society and the type of karma we create. I don't think that automatically following outer laws will create "good" karma and give us salvation. If we simply followed outer laws without using our own discernment, we would just become robots. One way the concept of karma can be seen, is as limitations in our consciousness, or filters, that obstruct the view of universal Oneness (non-duality) of all and everyone, and create the illusion that we are fundamentally separate from everything and everyone else. Included in this view can be what consequences our actions promote for other people, a consciousness of Oneness or of separation.
So, actions that are motivated by, or promoting a consciousness of separation, or duality, will reinforce the filters of duality. Actions that are motivated by, or promoting the consciousness of the fundamental oneness of all life, will dissolve these filters. And so will using spiritual techniques, like meditation. These types of actions will serve to benefit all (including ourselves) and will not put ourselves over others.