Does proceeding after the front of the car has just passed the stop line when the light turns red count as running a red light?
2 Answers
When the red light turns on, if a vehicle crosses the stop line, moving from behind the line to beyond it, this constitutes a traffic violation. However, the following scenarios apply: If the vehicle crosses the stop line by a short distance without obstructing pedestrians or other vehicles, it is considered crossing the stop line but not running a red light. Nevertheless, this is still a violation. According to Article 4, Item 5 of the 'Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations': Failing to drive or stop as required at an intersection results in a 2-point penalty. If the vehicle crosses the stop line by a significant distance, obstructing pedestrians or other vehicles, it will be deemed as running a red light. When traffic cameras capture red-light violations, they typically take three photos as evidence: the vehicle before it crosses the stop line with the red light on; the vehicle proceeding past the stop line with the red light on; and the vehicle fully entering the intersection. These three photos clearly document the vehicle's movement during the red light. Article 38 of the 'Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China' states: Motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle signal lights indicate: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Article 26 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China' states: Traffic signal lights consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition of passage, a green light indicates permission to proceed, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Article 90: Motor vehicle drivers who violate road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road passage shall be given a warning or fined. If other provisions of this law apply, penalties shall be imposed accordingly. Precautions regarding parking: Do not leave the vehicle: Temporary parking on the roadside for passenger drop-off or pick-up is acceptable for 2-3 minutes. However, leaving the vehicle unattended, even if the engine is running, is generally considered illegal parking. Temporary parking is limited to 5 minutes: Even if there are temporary parking signs on the motorway, parking is not allowed within the yellow grid lines on either side of the motorway. Parking within yellow grid lines is explicitly prohibited by traffic regulations. No-parking zones: Parking is prohibited within 30 meters of bus stops, emergency stations, gas stations, fire hydrants, or fire stations, except when using these facilities. Parking is also prohibited at intersections, railway crossings, sharp curves, narrow roads, bridges, steep slopes, tunnels, and within 50 meters of these locations.
I've been driving for over 30 years and encountered many moments when the green light turns red. If your car's front has just crossed the stop line when the red light comes on, continuing to drive is not considered running a red light, as you've already initiated entry into the intersection—this isn't a violation by the rules. The key is timing judgment: traffic cameras mainly check the wheel position at the moment the red light activates; if the front wheels have crossed the line, it usually won't trigger a ticket. However, there's some real-world risk, such as at busy intersections where proceeding could lead to conflicts with pedestrians or other vehicles. I advise new drivers to develop the habit of slowing down and preparing to stop when the green light starts flashing—don't push through. Safe driving is paramount; it prevents rear-end collisions or camera misjudgments, saving hassle and, in the long run, protecting yourself and others.
