Do Red Light Cameras Capture the Front or Rear of the Vehicle?
2 Answers
Red light cameras capture both the front and rear of the vehicle. They use electronic cameras to take three photos for determination: the first photo shows the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection with the traffic light displaying red and the license plate number visible; the second photo shows the vehicle completely past the stop line with the traffic light still red and the license plate number visible; the third photo shows the vehicle continuing to move, mainly by comparing the change in the vehicle's position from the second photo, with the traffic light still red and the license plate number visible. Capturing these three photos confirms that the vehicle ran a red light. Running a red light is clearly defined in the "Road Traffic Safety Law." Article 26 states that traffic signals consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light means stop, a green light means go, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Running a red light is a traffic violation where a vehicle proceeds through an intersection when the light is red. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, then the round light: There are two types of traffic lights: arrow signals and round signals. If an arrow signal is present, drivers should first observe the arrow light and then the round light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a round red light, right turns are allowed unless there is a red arrow signal prohibiting right turns. Violating this rule 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, resulting in a penalty for running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, the vehicle must wait for the next green light before proceeding. Check the green light countdown: If the green light is flashing and a countdown is displayed, use it to judge whether to proceed. If there is no countdown and the vehicle is close to the intersection at high speed, it may proceed to avoid braking too late and running the red light. If the vehicle is moving slowly and far from the intersection, brake immediately to avoid running the 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 pedestrians or vehicles going straight. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue. When the red light is on, vehicles must stop. At intersections without separate pedestrian or non-motorized vehicle signals, pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles must follow the motor vehicle signal. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct pedestrians or other vehicles. Running a red light is not penalized in the following situations: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If captured by a camera while yielding, manual review will not record the violation. 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 light, resulting in blurred evidence, drivers will not be penalized for mistakenly running a red light. Emergencies: Transporting critically ill patients to the hospital may involve running multiple red lights. After delivering the patient, the driver can provide hospital or patient documentation to the traffic police for verification to clear the violations. 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 officer's gestures. According to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law," if a vehicle has already crossed the stop line when the yellow light flashes, it may continue. However, accelerating through a yellow light that is about to turn red will be penalized as running a red light.
I've been driving on the road for many years and noticed that most red-light cameras are positioned to capture the rear of vehicles. They are installed on traffic light poles or nearby columns, aimed at the back of vehicles to photograph license plates, making it easier to identify the plate and vehicle information. Capturing the front might pose issues, such as strong direct light obscuring details or interference from windshield reflections. Settings vary by city, but in 99% of cases, it's like this. Why focus on the rear? The design prioritizes law enforcement convenience, capturing the exact moment a vehicle runs a red light by tracking wheel position and signal changes. I advise fellow drivers to pay attention to stop lines and traffic signals, slow down in advance, and never rush through a yellow light—that split second could make you the unlucky one. If you get fined, don't argue immediately; check the records to see the photo angle and confirm if it's a misjudgment. Safety first; driving slowly is more reliable than any high-tech camera.
