Does driving onto the sidewalk count as running a red light?
3 Answers
If the vehicle stops at the crosswalk and does not continue driving, it is not considered running a red light but rather stopping beyond the line. 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 passes through an intersection when the light is red, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Running a red light refers to the act where the vehicle, while within the stop line, proceeds forward despite the traffic light being red, and both the front and rear wheels of the vehicle eventually cross the stop line. This is determined by capturing three photos via electronic cameras: A photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, showing the red light and license plate number. A photo of the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, showing the red light and license plate number. A photo of the vehicle continuing to move, comparing changes in the vehicle's position, showing the red light 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 emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other special vehicles. If caught on camera while yielding to such vehicles, 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. 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 in critical condition, they can provide proof from the hospital or the person being assisted to verify with the traffic police. If confirmed, the violation record can be cleared. If possible, it is best to call an ambulance to avoid traffic accidents caused by running a red light. Police direction: During peak commuting hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at major intersections. Drivers must follow the gestures of the traffic police.
Running over the sidewalk, I think it's not the same as running a red light. According to traffic rules, running a red light refers to when the vehicle's front crosses the white line at the intersection while the light is red—that's considered a violation. The sidewalk is for pedestrians, and driving over it at most counts as occupying a non-motor vehicle area or illegal parking. However, driving over the sidewalk can cause issues, such as blocking pedestrians waiting at a crosswalk, which might get you caught on camera and fined. I once had to brake hard before a red light, and my wheels slightly touched the sidewalk, resulting in penalty points. So, while it's not running a red light, it violates safe driving principles. It's important to develop the habit of stopping steadily behind the white line at red lights and avoiding crowding the sidewalk to inconvenience others. Always pay attention to traffic signal changes while driving to minimize risks.
I'm an experienced driver and have encountered many intersection situations. Driving onto the sidewalk? That doesn't count as running a red light. Running a red light means your wheels completely cross the stop line and enter the intersection. The sidewalk is by the roadside, and driving onto it might just mean you didn't stop properly or made a wrong turn. Once I almost drove onto it and was reminded by a traffic officer that this behavior counts as occupying the non-motorized vehicle lane, which could result in a 100-yuan fine. Ultimately, the sidewalk is for pedestrians only, and driving onto it can easily cause trouble, such as encountering children crossing the street, which could be dangerous. I recommend slowing down when approaching intersections, checking the traffic light changes in advance, and not rushing through those few seconds of yellow light. Developing this habit can save a lot of trouble and is much safer.
