Can Running a Red Light Always Be Captured?

[LeStephanie]

If there are cameras, running a red light will be photographed as it violates traffic rules. Whether a motor vehicle runs a red light while turning left or going straight, it constitutes illegal behavior. According to the relevant provisions of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," vehicles must obey traffic signals, including traffic lights, traffic signs, road markings, and the directions of traffic police. If both the left-turn and straight signals are green, going straight from the left-turn lane does not comply with the designated lane rules. When the left-turn signal is red, running the red light will result in penalties. Definition of running a red light while turning left: Running a red light is determined based on the vehicle's position relative to the stop line. If the vehicle crosses the line when the light is red, it is illegal. The camera primarily records the vehicle's movement during the red light, focusing on significant positional changes. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red and the vehicle stops immediately, the traffic police will not impose a penalty. However, if the vehicle continues to move completely past the line, it is considered illegal and will be penalized. In other words, if the vehicle crosses (presses) the line during a red light and continues to move, fully crossing the line and entering the intersection, it will be penalized. Here are some ways to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. When an arrow light is present, drivers should check the arrow light first and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, a right turn is allowed. However, if the right-turn arrow is red, turning right is prohibited and will be penalized as running a red light. Brake in time: When the light turns red, 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, and the driver will be penalized for running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, the vehicle must not proceed further and should wait for the next green light. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light is flashing, if there is a countdown, drivers can judge accordingly. If there is no countdown and the vehicle is close to the intersection at high speed, it may proceed to avoid running a red light due to delayed braking. If the speed is slow and the vehicle is far from the intersection, the driver should brake immediately to avoid running a red light. 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 the passage of vehicles or pedestrians going straight. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians must follow the motor vehicle traffic signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If captured by surveillance cameras while yielding, the violation will not be recorded during manual review. Even if recorded, drivers can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police. Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, the evidence of violation may be unclear, and drivers who accidentally run a red light will not be penalized. Emergency situations: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, running multiple red lights may occur, and the 12-point penalty system may not suffice. After delivering the patient, the driver can provide proof from the hospital or the rescued individual 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. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at important intersections. Drivers must follow the traffic police's hand signals. The traffic police department states that according to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," when the yellow light is flashing at an intersection, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. If the yellow light is already on and the driver insists on proceeding, it will be considered running a red light if captured.