Does crossing the stop line when the red light turns on count as running a red light?
2 Answers
If the vehicle stops, it does not count as running a red light. However, if it continues to drive past, it does count as running a red light. If the vehicle stops at the crosswalk without proceeding further, it is not considered running a red light but rather as stopping beyond 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 intersections will result in a 2-point deduction. Running a red light refers to the act where the vehicle, while still behind the stop line, proceeds forward despite the traffic signal being red, and both the front and rear wheels cross the stop line. For electronic enforcement of red-light running, three photos are required: The vehicle is behind the stop line while the traffic signal is red. The vehicle continues to move forward under the red light, with both front and rear wheels crossing the stop line. The vehicle proceeds into the intersection: indicating whether the vehicle forcibly passed through during the red light. On October 8, 2012, the Ministry of Public Security revised and issued the Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses, increasing the penalty for violations such as running a red light from 3 points to 6 points. Running a yellow light will be treated as running a red light, also resulting in a 6-point deduction and a fine. Failing to yield to a 120 emergency vehicle will result in a 3-point deduction. Intentionally following a 120 emergency vehicle through a red light will result in a 6-point deduction and a fine. 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 caught by surveillance cameras while yielding, manual review will not record the act as running a red light. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights. The photos of the violation may be blurry, and if you mistakenly run a red light, the traffic police will not impose penalties. Emergency situations: After delivering a critically ill patient, you can present proof from the hospital or the rescued person to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation record can be cleared. If possible, it is best to call an ambulance to avoid accidents caused by running a red light. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at major intersections. Drivers must follow the gestures of the traffic police.
I've been driving for over 20 years and encountered this situation many times. According to traffic rules, running a red light is only considered a violation when a vehicle crosses the stop line after the red light has turned on. If you've already passed the stop line during a green or yellow light and then proceed through the intersection when it turns red, it doesn't count as running a red light. You should pass through safely and quickly. The key point is to slow down and make a judgment when the light turns yellow, don't force your way through. I've seen too many drivers accelerate at yellow lights, only to still be crossing the intersection when the red light comes on, which easily leads to accidents. The traffic camera captures the moment when you cross the line after the red light turns on, so keeping your distance and moving slowly is the safest approach. Remember, neither stopping suddenly nor accelerating at intersections is safe—it's about protecting your own life and those of pedestrians. My advice is to prepare to stop when you see a yellow light; developing good habits can reduce risks.
