Does Running a Yellow Light with Front and Rear Wheels Not Crossing Count as Running a Red Light?

[DeCaden]

Running a yellow light with the front and rear wheels not crossing counts as running a red light. Both running a yellow light and running a red light are considered the same traffic violation—driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal regulations. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," this offense is punishable by a fine and a deduction of 6 points. Electronic cameras capture three photos to determine whether a vehicle has run a red light: a photo of the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, including the red light signal and license plate number; a photo of the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, including the red light signal and license plate number; and a photo showing the vehicle continuing to move, with a comparison to check for changes in the vehicle's position, including the red light signal and license plate number. If these three photos are captured, the vehicle is determined to have run 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 indicates permission to proceed, and a yellow light serves as a warning. A red light is a traffic signal prohibiting passage, and if a vehicle proceeds through an intersection during a red light, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: First, look at the arrow light, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. When arrow lights are present, first observe the arrow light and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, you can turn right; when encountering an arrow signal light with a red right-turn arrow, you cannot turn right, or you will be penalized for running a red light. Brake in time: When the red light turns on, ensure the front of your vehicle does not cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross, and the rear wheels follow, the electronic camera will capture it, and you will be penalized for running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, do not proceed through the intersection; wait for the green light. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light flashes, 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 high speed, you may proceed to avoid running a red light due to untimely braking. If your speed is low and you are far from the intersection, brake immediately to avoid running a red light. Article 38 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states regarding motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle signal lights: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not hinder the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle signal lights. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not hinder the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If a violation is captured by surveillance cameras while yielding to such vehicles, manual review will not record the act as running a red light. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is extremely low, and even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, the photos of the violation may be blurry. In such cases, mistakenly running a red light will not result in penalties. Emergency situations: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, you may unavoidably run multiple red lights, and the 12-point deduction system may not suffice. After delivering the patient, you can provide hospital or patient documentation to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records can be cleared. If possible, calling an ambulance is advisable to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at major intersections. Drivers should follow the gestures of the traffic police.