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

[Hubert]

Running a red light will capture both the front and rear license plates. Electronic cameras take three photos to determine the violation: the first photo shows the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection with the traffic light red and the license plate visible; the second photo shows the vehicle completely past the stop line with the traffic light still red and the license plate visible; the third photo shows the vehicle continuing to move, primarily by comparing the position change from the second photo, with the traffic light red and the license plate visible. Capturing these three photos confirms the vehicle ran a red light. According to the Road Traffic Safety Law, running a red light is clearly defined as a traffic violation. 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. Driving through an intersection when the light is red constitutes running a red light. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, then the circular light: There are two types of traffic signals: arrow lights and circular lights. If an arrow light is present, observe it first, then 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 violating this rule will be penalized as running a red light. Brake in time: When the light turns red, 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, do not proceed; wait for the green light. Check the green light countdown: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, use it to judge whether to proceed. If there is no countdown and the vehicle is close to the intersection at high speed, proceed to avoid running a red light due to delayed braking. If the vehicle is far from the intersection or moving slowly, 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 may proceed, but turning vehicles must not impede 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 separate signals for non-motorized vehicles or pedestrians, they must follow the motor vehicle signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not impede other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not penalized under the following circumstances: 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 violation. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police. Extreme weather: If visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic light, the violation evidence may be blurry, and no penalty will be issued for mistakenly running a red light. Emergencies: Transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital may involve running multiple red lights. After delivery, provide proof from the hospital or the patient to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violations will be voided. 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 must follow the officer's gestures. The traffic police department clarifies that according to the Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line when the yellow light flashes may continue. If the yellow light is on and the driver speeds through, it will still be considered running a red light if captured.

[LoganLee]

Every time I drive through a traffic light intersection, I wonder whether the cameras capture the front or rear license plates. Generally, red-light cameras primarily photograph the rear license plate because it's more securely fixed and easier to identify. The cameras are positioned at the edge of the intersection specifically to capture images of the rear of vehicles. Once, while riding in a friend's car, I witnessed a vehicle running a red light, and the flash clearly captured the rear plate. Don't think it's a minor issue—this system relies on smart sensors. Once the light turns red and a vehicle crosses the line, the electronic eye immediately takes photos and records the time and location. Want to avoid violations? Just don't rush during yellow lights; safety is the key. Remember, traffic rules are designed to protect everyone, and even small mistakes can lead to major accidents.