Does Stopping After Crossing the Stop Line at a Red Light Count as Running a Red Light?

[LeJosiah]

If the entire vehicle crosses the stop line and does not continue moving, it does not count as running a red light. However, stopping on the crosswalk in this situation is considered over-the-line parking. According to Article 4, Clause 5 of the 'Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations,' 'failing to drive or park as required at an intersection results in a 2-point penalty.' Criteria for determining running a red light: Electronic monitors capture three photos as evidence for running a red light: 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 present will it be considered running a red light. How to avoid running a red light while driving: Follow the arrow signal if there is one; otherwise, follow the circular light. When the red light is on, the front of the vehicle must not cross the stop line. When the yellow light is on, the front of the vehicle must not cross the stop line. When the green light just starts flashing, proceed if you are close and moving fast.

[GavinFitz]

I once encountered this situation while driving. There was a time when I was in a hurry at a busy intersection, and I didn't brake in time when the red light came on. My car crossed the pedestrian crossing before stopping. At the time, I thought it was fine to stop on the line, so I didn't move further and left. However, I was later caught by an electronic eye and received a ticket, fined 200 yuan with points deducted. I asked a traffic police friend and learned that the red-light running monitoring system detects whether a vehicle has crossed the stop line when the light is red, not where you eventually stop. Once the wheels cross the line and trigger the sensor, it will be recorded as running a red light, even if you brake on the pedestrian crossing, it's invalid. The pedestrian crossing is for pedestrians, and stopping on it obstructs others from crossing the street, posing significant safety hazards. According to traffic regulations, any crossing of the line is considered running a red light. Therefore, when driving, always pay attention to slowing down in advance and controlling your speed, especially when the yellow light flashes—don't accelerate to rush through. Developing good habits can avoid accidents and fines. Now, I always make sure to stop steadily before the line every time.

[StLandon]

From the perspective of traffic monitoring, the core of the red-light running system is that when the light turns red, if a vehicle's tires cross the intersection stop line or detection coil, the camera will automatically take photos to determine the violation. Therefore, whether you stop on the zebra crossing or in the middle of the road, it still counts as running a red light because the moment you cross the line is recorded. This design ensures the overall safety and order of the intersection. In reality, many people mistakenly believe that stopping means they haven't run the light, but the rules emphasize timeliness rather than the stopping position. I once slid past the line and stopped but still got fined, and the photo evidence on the ticket was clear. It's advisable to slow down in advance while driving to avoid the risk of sudden braking, or use navigation apps to alert you to intersection warnings. This can prevent unintentional mistakes and ensure safe and worry-free driving.

[VonWyatt]

This absolutely counts as running a red light and poses significant safety risks. I've witnessed pedestrians nearly being hit by vehicles doing the same, as stopping on the crosswalk can obstruct visibility and cause accidents. The rule is clear - crossing the line after the light turns red is a violation, regardless of where you stop. Always pay close attention to traffic signals when driving, stay alert, and protect both yourself and others.