Does Running a Red Light Capture the Front or Rear License Plate?

[LaDawson]

Running a red light captures the rear license plate. Electronic cameras take three photos to determine the violation: a photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, showing the red light and license plate number; a photo of the vehicle completely passing 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 changes, 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. A red light is a traffic signal prohibiting passage, and if a vehicle passes through an intersection during a red light, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Six scenarios of running a red light: Stopping immediately after crossing the line at a red light (when the light turns red, the vehicle cannot stop in time, and the front of the vehicle crosses the stop line): If the vehicle has just crossed the stop line during a red light but stops immediately, this is not penalized as running a red light. However, if there is noticeable movement after crossing the line, it will be penalized. The three photos taken by electronic cameras for running a red light are: 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 captured is it confirmed as running a red light, which incurs a 6-point deduction under the new regulations. Running a red light under police direction (the signal is red, but the traffic officer signals to proceed): When there is a conflict between the traffic signal and the officer's gesture, drivers must obey the officer's on-site command. If running a red light occurs due to the officer's direction, the driver can request a diversion certificate from the local traffic police station to avoid penalties. If the driver disputes the penalty, they can appeal through administrative reconsideration or litigation. Stopping after the entire vehicle crosses the line at a red light (failing to brake in time, causing the entire vehicle to cross the stop line): If the entire vehicle crosses the stop line but does not continue moving, it is not considered running a red light. However, this constitutes crossing the stop line, which, according to Article 4, Clause 5 of the Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Violations, results in a 3-point deduction for failing to drive or stop as required at an intersection. Reversing after crossing the stop line (attempting to avoid penalties by reversing after crossing the stop line at a red light): Vehicles are prohibited from reversing at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, or tunnels. Violators may receive a warning or fine. Accidentally running a red light behind a large vehicle (due to obstructed visibility, following the large vehicle through the intersection): Drivers must maintain sufficient visibility to see the traffic signals ahead and ensure a safe braking distance. Generally, if a vehicle behind a large vehicle is photographed, it is due to rushing through the intersection. This behavior is penalized as running a red light. Passing through an intersection during a yellow light (proceeding through the intersection as the light turns yellow): Traffic authorities state that Article 26 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China specifies that vehicles that have already crossed the stop line when the yellow light flashes may continue to proceed. If the driver accelerates through the intersection after the yellow light has turned red, it is considered running a red light if captured.