Can Running a Red Light in Heavy Fog Be Captured?
2 Answers
Running a red light in heavy fog can still be captured. Traffic monitoring cameras automatically adjust based on weather and lighting conditions, activating night mode when visibility is low during foggy conditions. The criteria for determining a red-light violation involve the electronic eye capturing three photos as evidence: the front wheels crossing the stop line, the rear wheels crossing the stop line, and the front wheels passing the opposite stop line. Only when all three photos are present will it be considered a red-light violation. Penalty points for running a red light: According to Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2 of the "Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations," driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal lights results in a 6-point penalty. Article 3, Section 1, Clause 8 states that driving a motor vehicle in violation of prohibition signs or markings results in a 3-point penalty. To check for red-light violations, you can use the "Traffic Management 12123" app. After opening the app, log in with your ID card, locate the "Violation Handling" option, and click on it. Under violation handling, you can view the current status of your vehicle. If there are any violations, the specific details will be displayed.
Running a red light in heavy fog and whether cameras can capture it depends on technical details. Many traffic cameras are optical-based, relying on visible light to capture images. When fog is thick, light scatters, resulting in blurred footage that may fail to clearly capture license plates. However, modern equipment is quite advanced—some use infrared or radar technology, which can penetrate fog to detect vehicle movement. I’ve studied some cases where they might still function in light fog, but in dense fog, they generally fail. Still, don’t assume you’re safe just because you weren’t caught; visibility is poor in foggy conditions, and running a red light significantly increases the risk of rear-end or side collisions—far more dangerous than a fine. My advice is to slow down in fog, observe traffic light changes early, use fog lights to improve visibility, and maintain a safe following distance. Developing good habits, like using navigation apps to alert you to red light locations, can prevent many issues. In short, safety comes first—don’t gamble with your life.
