Does crossing the pedestrian crossing line at a red light count as running a red light?
3 Answers
If you stop at the pedestrian crossing and do not continue driving, it is not considered running a red light but rather overstepping the line. According to Article 4, Item 5 of the 'Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations': Failing to drive or stop as required at an intersection will result in a 2-point deduction. The act of 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 indicates prohibition of passage, a green light permits passage, and a yellow light serves as a warning. A red light is a traffic signal that prohibits passage. If a vehicle proceeds through an intersection during a red light, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Running a red light refers to the act where, when the vehicle is within the stop line, the direction of travel is already a red light, but the vehicle continues to move forward, and both the front and rear wheels completely cross the stop line. This is determined by capturing three photos via electronic cameras: A photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, including the red light signal and license plate number. A photo of the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, including the red light signal and license plate number. A photo showing the vehicle continuing to move, comparing changes in the vehicle's position, including the red light signal and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms the act of running a red light. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to special vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other special vehicles. If a violation is captured by surveillance cameras due to yielding to special vehicles, manual review will not record the act of running a red light. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights. Photos of the violation may be blurry, and if you accidentally run a red light, the traffic police will not impose penalties. Emergency situations: If a citizen transports a patient with a critical condition, they can provide proof from the hospital or the person being assisted to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation record can be expunged. If possible, it is best to call an ambulance to avoid running a red light and causing traffic accidents. Traffic police direction: During peak commuting hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at important intersections. Drivers must follow the gestures of the traffic police.
When the red light comes on, if my entire car has already crossed the pedestrian crossing and entered the intersection, it definitely counts as running a red light. I once had an experience where the yellow light turned red at a crossroads, and I braked a bit late—just as the front of my car passed the pedestrian crossing, I stopped. But the electronic eye still captured it, and I later received a ticket for running a red light, deducting six points. The pedestrian crossing is actually part of the stopping area, and traffic rules require stopping behind the stop line when the light is red. If your wheels cross it, it's considered a violation. This not only results in fines and points deducted but could also lead to accidents, such as pedestrians crossing the road at the pedestrian crossing, posing significant risks. I advise new drivers and all motorists to slow down in advance when the light turns yellow and not to try to rush the last few seconds for safety. Developing good habits can avoid a lot of trouble, as safe driving should always come first.
As a beginner driver, I'm particularly sensitive to this issue. When the red light comes on and my car crosses the zebra crossing, I worry whether it will be judged as running a red light by the camera. Last time I almost encountered this situation - the light had just turned red when I was slowing down and couldn't stop in time, ending up with half of my car body over the zebra crossing. Fortunately there were no cars behind me and no accident occurred, but I felt guilty for a long time. After checking information, I learned that any part of the vehicle crossing the stop line during a red light counts as running a red light, because the zebra crossing is an extension of the stop sign area. This violation not only results in points deduction and fines, but also easily causes rear-end collisions or pedestrian accidents. Novice drivers are prone to mistakes, so I suggest practicing more on estimating stopping distances at intersections - start braking steadily 5-10 meters before the red light comes on to ensure a safe stop without rushing.
