Does Crossing the Stop Line with Front Wheels Count as Running a Red Light?
2 Answers
Crossing the stop line with front wheels does not count as running a red light. Running a red light refers to the act of a motor vehicle violating traffic signal instructions by crossing the stop line and continuing to move when the red light is on, which prohibits passage. At least three pieces of photographic evidence are required to confirm a red light violation: the vehicle has not left the stop line when the red light is on; the vehicle has passed through the intersection when the red light is on; the vehicle has crossed the line and continued to move forward when the red light is on. Although crossing the line with front wheels does not count as running a red light, stopping after crossing the line is considered over-line parking. Article 26 of the Road Traffic Safety Law states: Traffic signals consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition of passage, a green light indicates permission to pass, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Article 44 states: Motor vehicles passing through intersections shall do so in accordance with traffic signals, traffic signs, traffic markings, or the direction of traffic police. Item 2 of the first paragraph of Article 2 of the Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations stipulates that driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal instructions results in a deduction of 6 points. Ways to avoid running a red light: When there are arrow signal lights, follow the arrow lights; otherwise, follow the round lights; When the red light is on, the front of the vehicle must not cross the stop line; When the yellow light is on, the front of the vehicle must not cross the stop line; When the green light just flashes, if the distance is close and the speed is fast, you should pass through, as braking might not stop the vehicle in time to avoid crossing the stop line; if the distance is far, the speed is slow, or the intersection is congested, you should stop; When driving in the city, develop the habit of looking for traffic lights whenever you see a crosswalk or stop line and approach an intersection.
I've been driving for almost twenty years and often encounter moments of hesitation at intersections in the city. Your front wheels crossing the line doesn't count as running a red light—the key is what color the light was when you crossed. The moment the red light comes on, if your front wheels have already passed the stop line, then continuing to drive through isn't considered running a red light. But if the light turns red while your front wheels are still behind the line, or if you forcefully rush forward past the line, then it definitely counts as running the light. Traffic cameras follow this same rule when capturing violations, mainly relying on the shooting position and timing. I remember one rainy day when I was driving and the green light started flashing yellow—I quickly slowed down instead of rushing through, avoiding danger. In short, always observe traffic light changes in advance, especially when a yellow light is about to turn red—don't risk speeding up. Playing it safe is much safer. Develop this habit, and it'll keep you from getting fined and reduce accidents.
