Does running a red light count if a large vehicle blocks the traffic signal?
1 Answers
Many car owners believe that running a red light due to being blocked by a large vehicle does not constitute a traffic violation. However, in reality, the chances of successfully appealing such cases are very low. Traffic authorities have previously provided an interpretation regarding running a red light when blocked by a large vehicle: "If a driver mistakenly runs a red light due to obstruction by trees or a large vehicle, and upon investigation, it is confirmed that the issue stems from the traffic signal setup, the original penalty may be modified or revoked through administrative reconsideration." Below is additional information: 1. Penalty revocation: Penalties can only be revoked if the traffic authorities did not adequately consider the placement of traffic signals, leading to obstruction by large vehicles and subsequent mistaken red-light running. Examples include traffic signals being too low (easily blocked by even a minivan) or positioned too inconspicuously at the roadside, making them hard to notice. 2. Red-light running requires three photos captured by traffic cameras: the vehicle crossing the stop line, the vehicle moving to the middle of the intersection, and the vehicle reaching the opposite side of the intersection. If the driver stops immediately after running the red light and does not proceed further, the third photo will not be captured, and it will not be considered a "complete" red-light violation. However, the driver may still be penalized for stopping improperly. 3. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead: When a large vehicle in front obstructs your view, the correct approach is to keep a sufficient distance from it to ensure you can observe the road ahead, traffic signs, and signals, thereby avoiding violations. When approaching an intersection with traffic signals, slow down to create distance from the vehicle ahead, clearly observe the signals, and then proceed accordingly.
