Does Running a Red Light Camera Capture the Front or the Rear of the Vehicle?
1 Answers
Traffic violation photos are taken from the rear of the vehicle. Electronic cameras capture three photos to determine the violation: a photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, including the red light signal and license plate number; a photo of the vehicle fully passing the stop line, including the red light signal and license plate number; and a photo showing the vehicle continuing to move, comparing the vehicle's position changes, including the red light signal and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms the vehicle ran a red light. 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 prohibits 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 proceeds through an intersection against the red signal. Here are ways to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow signals and circular signals. When arrow signals are present, drivers should first observe the arrow light and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are allowed. However, if the right-turn arrow signal is red, turning right is prohibited and 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, and 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, the vehicle must wait for the green light before proceeding. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, drivers can judge accordingly. If there is no countdown and the vehicle is close to the intersection at high speed, it may proceed to avoid braking too late and running the red light. If the vehicle is slow and far from the intersection, it should brake immediately to stop. 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 proceed, 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 proceeding. 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 proceed if they do not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not penalized under the following circumstances: Extreme weather: If visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic light, resulting in blurry violation photos, drivers who mistakenly run a red light will not be penalized. Emergencies: When rushing a critically ill patient to the hospital, running multiple red lights may occur. After delivering the patient, the driver can provide hospital or patient documentation to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records will be cleared. If possible, calling an ambulance is recommended to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers must follow the officers' hand signals. Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If captured by surveillance cameras while yielding, manual review will not record the act as running a red light. Even if recorded, drivers can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department.
