Both. Electronic cameras capture three photos to determine a red light violation: a photo of the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, showing the red light and license plate; a photo of the vehicle completely passing the stop line, also showing the red light and license plate; and a photo of the vehicle continuing to move, comparing changes in the vehicle's position, again showing the red light and license plate. Capturing these three photos confirms a red light violation. Red light violations are clearly defined in the "Road Traffic Safety Law." Article 26 states that traffic signals consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light prohibits passage, a green light permits passage, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Driving through an intersection during a red light constitutes a traffic violation. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow lights and circular lights. When arrow lights are present, drivers should first observe the arrow light and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: At a circular red light, right turns are permitted unless a red arrow signal prohibits it. Violating this rule will result in a red light violation penalty. Brake in time: When a red light appears, 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, leading to a penalty. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, the vehicle must wait for the green light before proceeding. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: If the green light is flashing and there is a countdown, use it to judge whether to proceed. If there is no countdown, and the vehicle is close to the intersection with sufficient speed, it may pass to avoid a sudden stop. If the vehicle is far from the intersection or moving slowly, brake immediately to avoid a violation. 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 proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct 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 proceeding. At intersections without separate pedestrian or non-motor vehicle signals, pedestrians and non-motor vehicles must follow the motor vehicle signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered a violation under the following circumstances: Extreme weather: If visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic light, photos of the violation may be unclear, and no penalty will be issued for mistakenly running the red light. Emergency situations: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, running multiple red lights may be unavoidable. After delivering the patient, the driver can provide hospital or patient documentation to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records will be cleared. If possible, calling an ambulance is recommended to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may manually direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers must follow the officers' gestures. Yielding to emergency vehicles: When yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles, any red light violation captured by cameras will not be recorded during manual review. If recorded, the driver can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police.
