Does Following Traffic in Congestion Count as Running a Red Light?
4 Answers
Following traffic in congestion does not count as running a red light. The traffic police department states that according to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," vehicles that have already crossed the stop line when the yellow light at an intersection is flashing may continue to pass. However, if the yellow light is already on and a vehicle forcibly continues to pass, being caught in such a situation would be considered running a red light. Criteria for determining running a red light: Electronic cameras capture three photos as the basis for determining a red light violation: the front wheels crossing the stop line, the rear wheels crossing the stop line, and the front wheels crossing the opposite stop line. Only when all three photos are present will it be considered running a red light. How to check for red light violations: Common methods include the following: You can check for red light violations through the "Traffic Management 12123" app. After opening the app, log in using your ID card, then find and click on the traffic violation handling option. In the violation handling section, you can see the current status of your vehicle. If there are any violations, the specific details will be displayed. Alternatively, you can visit the service halls of the traffic police departments in various cities and districts to check using touch-screen terminals. Another method is to log in to the external service websites of the public security traffic management bureaus of various cities, find the vehicle violation query section, enter your license plate number and vehicle engine number, and click to query.
I've been driving for over 20 years and know traffic light rules are set in stone. When crawling through intersections during traffic jams, if your vehicle is still moving past the stop line when the light turns red, it's 100% considered running a red light. Traffic laws explicitly require complete stops at red lights - even slow creeping isn't allowed. Urban intersection cameras are extremely sensitive; getting caught just once means a 200 yuan fine, 6 penalty points, and increased insurance premiums. Developing the habit of maintaining following distance and leaving braking space is crucial - never tailgate too closely in case the front vehicle brakes suddenly or the light changes abruptly. When driving, I always remind myself to slow down at intersections and wait patiently for green lights - it's both safer and saves money.
Once, I was stuck in city traffic and instinctively followed the car in front. Suddenly, the light turned red, and I couldn't brake in time. The camera flashed, resulting in a ticket and penalty points—a painful lesson. Now, I've learned to leave a two-car distance, anticipate stopping points before the light changes, and slow down in congested areas to ensure I can stop before the white line. This avoids the risk of running a red light and reduces the chance of rear-end collisions. Driving more steadily leads to fewer worries. City road conditions change quickly, and staying calm is the best strategy.
When driving in traffic congestion, following too closely can be considered running a red light, which is a serious violation of traffic rules. Once you cross the line after the light turns red, it's already a violation. Traffic management is strict, and the probability of being caught by cameras is high, leading to unavoidable fines and penalty points. From a safety perspective, this behavior can easily cause rear-end collisions or other accidents. Maintaining a safe distance is key. When the light changes, stop steadily and avoid impatience. Urban driving requires extra caution—prioritizing stability ensures safety.
