Does crossing the stop line just as the light turns red count as running a red light?
3 Answers
If the front of the vehicle crosses the stop line when the red light turns on and does not move further, it is not considered a violation. Below is relevant information about vehicles crossing the stop line when the red light turns on: 1. When the red light is on, the entire vehicle crosses the stop line: If the entire vehicle crosses the stop line and does not continue moving, it is not considered running a red light. However, this situation is classified as crossing the stop line and stopping. According to Article 4, Clause 5 of the 'Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Violations,' 'failing to drive or park as required at intersections results in a 2-point deduction.' 2. When the red light is on, crossing the stop line and then reversing: Although this is not penalized as running a red light, motor vehicles are not allowed to reverse at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, or tunnels. If reversing is performed illegally, a warning or a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan may be imposed. If there is no immediate danger, it is best to stop and not move.
I've encountered this issue while driving. According to traffic regulations, if your vehicle's front has already crossed the stop line when the red light turns on, it doesn't count as running a red light. This is because determining a red-light violation requires three photos: the first shows the vehicle before the stop line under a red light, the second captures the moment of crossing the line, and the third shows the vehicle completely passing through the intersection. If you've just crossed the line when the light turns red, the camera usually won't record it as a violation. However, note that this doesn't mean you can accelerate freely. In practice, you should slow down at yellow lights and avoid stomping on the gas to make it through the intersection, as this can easily lead to accidents. I recommend maintaining a safe following distance and observing signal changes in advance. Intersection safety is crucial—once an accident occurs, fines are the least concern, as personal safety is at stake. Familiarize yourself with road conditions to reduce such dilemmas in daily driving.
After driving for so many years, I clearly understand the judgment of running a red light. When the yellow light is flashing, if you normally pass the stop line and the light turns red just as you reach the intersection, it's not a violation. The camera only considers the vehicle's position and the light color at the same moment. For example, I often drive in the city, and when encountering a yellow light, if part of the car has already crossed the line, maintaining a steady speed to pass is fine. However, it's important to note that rules vary slightly by region, with some cities having stricter fine standards. More importantly, don’t develop the habit of rushing through yellow lights, as it significantly increases the risk of collisions. Safe driving should always come first. Rather than worrying about fines, it's better to control your speed, especially at busy intersections. Developing the habit of anticipating light changes can save a lot of trouble.
