Running a red light at an intersection typically captures the rear of the vehicle. Electronic cameras take three photos to determine the violation: a photo of the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, 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; and a photo of the vehicle continuing to move, comparing the vehicle's position change, showing the red light and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms the vehicle ran a red light. 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. Running a red light is a traffic violation where a vehicle passes through an intersection when the light is red. To avoid running a red light, consider the following: Check the arrow light first, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic signals: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. If an arrow light is present, check it first before looking at the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are permitted. However, if the right-turn arrow is red, right turns are prohibited, and violations will be penalized as running a red light. Brake in time: When the red light turns on, ensure the front of the vehicle does not cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross, but the rear wheels follow, the electronic camera will capture it, resulting in a penalty for running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, do not proceed; wait for the green light. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, use it to judge. If there is no countdown and the vehicle is close to the intersection with high speed, proceed to avoid running a red light due to late braking. If the vehicle is slow and far from the intersection, brake immediately to avoid running a red light. Article 38 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to pass, but turning vehicles must not obstruct straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from passing. At intersections without non-motorized vehicle or pedestrian signals, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle signal. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may pass if they do not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Extreme weather: If visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic light, resulting in blurred evidence, no penalty will be imposed for mistakenly running a red light. Emergency situations: When rushing a critically ill patient to the hospital, running multiple red lights may occur. After delivering the patient, provide hospital or patient proof to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violations will be cleared. If possible, call an ambulance to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers should follow the officer's hand signals. Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yield to ambulances, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles. If captured by surveillance cameras while yielding, manual review will not record the red light violation. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police.
