Does stopping in the middle of the road at a red light count as running a red light?
2 Answers
If the vehicle stops at the crosswalk and does not continue driving, it is not considered running a red light but rather an over-the-line stop, which does not count as running a red light. According to Article 4, Item 5 of the 'Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations': Failing to drive or stop as required at an intersection results in a 3-point deduction. 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 that prohibits passage, and if a vehicle proceeds through an intersection during a red light, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Running a red light refers to when the vehicle is within the stop line, the forward direction is already a red light, but the vehicle continues to move forward, ultimately causing both the front and rear wheels to cross the stop line. This is determined by capturing three photos via electronic cameras: A photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, 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. A photo showing the vehicle continuing to move, comparing to see if the vehicle's position has changed, including the red light signal and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms the act of running a red light. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to special vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other special vehicles. If caught by surveillance cameras while yielding, manual review will not record the act as running a red light. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights. Photos of the violation may be blurry, and if you accidentally run a red light, the traffic police will not impose penalties. Emergency situations: If a citizen transports a patient with a critical condition, they can present proof from the hospital or the person being assisted to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation record can be expunged. If possible, it is best to call an ambulance to avoid running a red light and causing traffic accidents. Traffic police direction: During peak commuting hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at major intersections. Drivers must follow the gestures of the traffic police.
Last time I was driving, I encountered a red light and didn't have enough time to brake, so my car slid to the middle of the road and stopped. My heart was pounding—this situation doesn't count as actually running a red light, because running a red light usually means the car completely passes through the intersection after the light turns red and continues driving. I stopped and didn't move, even though the position was awkward, but I wouldn't be caught by the camera for a traffic violation. The rules only require vehicles to try to stop behind the stop line when the light is red. Afterward, I reflected on my driving experience: controlling speed and braking early is key, especially when approaching an intersection and seeing the green light flashing—that's when you should prepare to stop. If you accidentally stop on the road, don't panic; quickly turn on your hazard lights to signal safety and carefully move the car away to avoid causing a rear-end collision or traffic congestion. Always stay alert while driving, and developing good habits is even better.
