Are Red Light Violations Always Captured from Behind?
3 Answers
Red light violations are determined by capturing three photos through electronic cameras from behind. The first photo shows the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, including the red light and license plate number. The second photo captures the vehicle completely passing the stop line, also showing the red light and license plate number. The third photo demonstrates the vehicle continuing to move, mainly by comparing the vehicle's position changes from the second photo, again including the red light and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms a red light violation. According to Article 26 of the Road Traffic Safety Law: Traffic signals consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition of passage, a green light permits passage, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Article 44 states: Motor vehicles passing through intersections must comply with traffic signals, signs, markings, or the directions of traffic police. Here are some tips to avoid red light violations: Check arrow lights first, then circular lights: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow lights and circular lights. When arrow lights are present, drivers should first observe the arrow lights and then the circular lights to avoid running red lights. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are permitted. However, if the right-turn arrow is red, right turns are prohibited; otherwise, it will be penalized as a red light violation. Brake promptly: When the red light turns on, ensure the front of the vehicle does not cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross, and the rear wheels follow, the electronic camera will capture it, resulting in a red light violation. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, do not proceed; wait for the green light. Monitor green light countdown: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, use it to judge. If there is no countdown and the vehicle is close to the intersection at high speed, proceed to avoid braking too late. If the speed is slow and the vehicle is far from the intersection, brake immediately to stop. Article 38 of the Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China states: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to pass, but turning vehicles must not hinder straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from passing. At intersections without non-motorized vehicle or pedestrian signals, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not hinder passing vehicles or pedestrians. Red light violations are not penalized under the following circumstances: Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, resulting in blurred evidence, no penalty is given for accidental violations. Emergencies: When transporting emergency patients to the hospital, multiple red lights may be run. After delivery, provide hospital or patient proof to traffic police for verification, and the violations will be cleared. If possible, call an ambulance to avoid accidents. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers should follow their gestures. Yielding to emergency vehicles: When yielding to ambulances or fire trucks, violations captured by cameras will not be recorded. If recorded, apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Traffic police clarify that under Article 38 of the Regulations, vehicles that have crossed the stop line when the yellow light flashes may continue. However, if drivers accelerate through a yellow light, it will be considered a red light violation if captured.
I once almost ran a red light while driving, and later learned during a lecture at traffic school that red-light violations aren't always captured from behind. Many urban intersections are equipped with smart cameras, some mounted on traffic signal poles facing the front of vehicles, capable of clearly capturing license plates and drivers' faces—this setup is particularly common at crossroads. Additionally, some more advanced systems incorporate high-definition side-angle cameras to comprehensively capture violations, preventing drivers from evading detection by avoiding a single angle. I researched this topic because I was worried about penalty points affecting my license, and discovered that specific camera setups vary by location—some areas do prefer rear-facing cameras, but don't assume they'll always shoot from behind. Ultimately, safe driving is the only foolproof approach; a momentary lapse could mean getting caught.
As someone who enjoys delving into automotive electronics, I've specifically researched the mechanisms of traffic cameras. Red-light violations aren't always recorded from behind the vehicle; in reality, camera systems are quite flexible. For instance, front-facing cameras are installed ahead of the light pole to automatically focus on the front of the car, capturing license plates while identifying the vehicle's position at the moment of running a red light. Some systems even use multi-angle arrays paired with radar for more precise monitoring. Having reviewed some case videos, I noticed that supplementary side cameras might be deployed at wide multi-lane intersections to cover additional angles. Don't overlook this—urban upgrades are rapid, and older equipment is being replaced with advanced systems featuring enhanced detection capabilities. I strongly advise strict adherence to traffic signals, especially during nighttime or rainy conditions when visibility is poor.
