Do Traffic Police Have the Authority to Impound Vehicles for Running a Red Light?
4 Answers
Traffic police do not have the authority to impound vehicles for running a red light; instead, they will deduct 6 points and impose a fine. However, a driver's license may be confiscated under the following circumstances: accumulating 12 points, driving under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated, allowing an unqualified person to drive, driving at a speed exceeding 50% of the legal limit, operating a vehicle that has reached the end of its service life, causing a traffic accident that requires criminal liability, or fleeing the scene after causing a traffic accident. The Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, Article 72: Upon receiving a report of a traffic accident, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall immediately dispatch traffic police to the scene to organize the rescue of the injured and take measures to restore traffic as soon as possible. Traffic police shall conduct an inspection and examination of the traffic accident scene and collect evidence. If necessary for evidence collection, they may impound the vehicles involved in the accident but must properly keep them for verification. According to the relevant provisions of the Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law, traffic police departments at all levels have the authority to impound vehicles under the following circumstances: Driving a motor vehicle without a driver's license or while the original and duplicate of the driver's license are detained. Driving under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated. Driving with a borrowed, misappropriated, altered, forged, fraudulently obtained, or expired driver's license. Driving a motor vehicle that does not match the vehicle type permitted by the driver's license. Driving while suffering from a disease that hinders safe driving or while excessively fatigued. Learner drivers driving alone without a coach accompanying them. Driving a two-wheeled motorcycle without wearing a helmet. Using altered, forged, fraudulently obtained, misappropriated, borrowed, or expired vehicle license plates or registration certificates. Driving a motor vehicle that has not been inspected or has failed inspection. Operating a motor vehicle without license plates or a registration certificate and without other legal proof of operation. The vehicle license plates or engine and chassis numbers do not match those recorded in the vehicle registration certificate. Causing a traffic accident or being suspected of traffic violations or other illegal activities. Matching the characteristics of a vehicle involved in smuggling or theft. To avoid running a red light, consider the following: First, observe the arrow signal, then the circular signal: There are two types of traffic signals—arrow signals and circular signals. When arrow signals are present, check them first before proceeding to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are permitted. However, if the right-turn arrow signal is red, right turns are prohibited, and violating this rule will be penalized as running a red light. 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, but the rear wheels do not, the electronic camera will capture it, and it will be penalized as running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, do not proceed; wait for the green light. Check the green light countdown: 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 at high speed, proceed to avoid running a red light due to delayed braking. If the speed is slow and the vehicle is far from the intersection, 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 impede the passage of 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 non-motor vehicle or pedestrian signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians must follow the motor vehicle signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not impede the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians.
I'm looking at this issue because my friend had a similar experience before. That day, he was in a hurry and ran a red light, only to be stopped by a traffic officer. The officer first checked his driver's license and vehicle registration, and everything was in order, so he issued a fine with points deducted, but the car wasn't impounded. The officer explained that simply running a red light usually doesn't result in the car being impounded unless there are more serious violations, such as driving without a license or plates, or the driver being drunk or without proper documents. After that incident, my friend learned his lesson and drives more carefully now, because running a red light can easily lead to accidents and trouble. Everyone should pay attention to the rhythm of traffic light changes and avoid slamming on the brakes or rushing through lights. Remember, following the rules is the fundamental way to avoid trouble.
From the perspective of traffic regulations, running a red light is a violation of the law. Traffic police have the authority to impose penalties based on traffic laws, with fines and demerit points being the standard treatment. Vehicle impoundment is typically employed only when the vehicle is involved in serious issues, such as driving without a license, suspicion of drunk driving, or excessive traffic violation records. If stopped solely for running a red light, traffic police generally will not impound the vehicle; instead, they will issue an on-the-spot ticket with an emphasis on education. It is recommended that drivers keep their documents complete and ensure their vehicles undergo regular annual inspections to minimize risks. After all, vehicle impoundment significantly impacts daily life and requires subsequent handling.
Simply put, when dealing with running a red light, traffic police usually only impose fines and deduct points without impounding the vehicle. Vehicle impoundment mostly occurs when there are other violations, such as fake license plates or driving without a license. If it's just running a red light, after being stopped and checked by the police, the basic penalty is imposed without towing the vehicle.
