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

[GarrettDella]

Both are captured. Electronic cameras take three photos to determine a red light violation: a photo of the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, showing the red light and license plate; a photo of the vehicle completely passing the stop line, showing the red light and license plate; and a photo of the vehicle continuing to move, comparing changes in the vehicle's position, showing the red light and license plate. Capturing these three photos confirms a red light violation. 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 driving through an intersection during a red light constitutes a traffic violation. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. When an arrow light is present, check the arrow light first, then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, you may turn right; however, if the right-turn arrow is red, you cannot turn right, or you will be penalized for running a red light. Brake in time: When the red light turns on, do not let the front of your vehicle 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 before moving. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light is flashing, if there is a countdown, use it to judge whether to proceed. If there is no countdown, and you are close to the intersection with sufficient speed, you may proceed to avoid running a red light due to late braking. If your speed is slow and you are far from the intersection, brake immediately to avoid running a red light. Article 38 of the Implementation Regulations 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 the passage of 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 signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered illegal in the following situations: Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, the evidence photos may be blurred. In such cases, accidental red light violations will not be penalized by traffic police. Emergency situations: When rushing a critically ill patient to the hospital, running multiple red lights is likely, and 12 penalty points may not suffice. After delivering the patient, the driver can provide hospital or patient documentation to 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 hand signals of the traffic police.

[MacLaila]

I have over a decade of driving experience and often chat with friends about running red lights. Most of those cameras capture from behind the vehicle because the red light is positioned at the rear of the intersection, making it easier to photograph the license plate and the entire violation process while avoiding misidentifying other cars. I remember once driving through an intersection—just as I crossed the line, I saw a flash in the rearview mirror. Later, when helping someone review their ticket photos, it indeed showed a full rear view of the car. This deeply reinforced the importance of obeying traffic rules: slowing down early at yellow lights instead of rushing through, as safety should always come first. Nowadays, smart traffic systems are becoming increasingly advanced, with some areas even installing dual-angle cameras that capture both front and rear views for stronger evidence. Poor visibility during rain or at night makes accidents more likely, and if cameras can’t capture clear images, the system will pull video recordings as backup. Always pay attention to traffic signals while driving—developing good habits can save a lot of trouble. It’s also wise to regularly check your vehicle’s lights to ensure they’re functioning properly and avoid such risks.

[VonCayden]

I've had some experience with traffic equipment maintenance. Red light cameras are typically installed on traffic light poles and designed to capture the rear of vehicles, ensuring accurate license plate recognition to avoid misjudgment. This is because the red light conditions at the rear provide better exposure, and the footage clearly records the violation moment. During one installation and debugging session, I noticed the positioning is meticulously chosen to ensure wide coverage. Beyond the common rear-facing setup, high-end systems integrate front cameras to address obstructions or special angle issues. On a related note, many areas now use radar-assisted speed monitoring to prevent secondary accidents. Drivers should always be aware of camera locations and avoid risky maneuvers—safety should always come first. Regular maintenance of vehicle lights is crucial to maintain visibility and avoid ticket risks. In summary, caution is the best defense—don't let minor violations escalate into bigger problems.

[PrestonMarie]

When I first got my driver's license, I was also curious about this question. Later, during driving lessons, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that cameras capture from the rear to easily identify license plates. Once, while I was practicing driving and approaching an intersection, the instructor reminded me to pay attention to the traffic lights—stop at yellow lights and don't rush, because most violations are captured from the rear, making the ticket obvious. Following the rules can avoid a lot of trouble, especially for new drivers who are prone to nervousness. I also learned that some cities have stricter traffic controls, but the basic camera logic is similar. Develop good driving habits, slow down in advance when seeing signal changes, and protect yourself and others. Simply put, safety comes first—don't risk big losses for small gains.