Does stopping in the middle of the road when the red light turns on count as running a red light?
2 Answers
If you stop at the crosswalk and do not continue driving, it is not considered running a red light but rather stopping beyond the line, which does not count as running a red light. According to the newly formulated "Measures for the Scoring of Road Traffic Safety Violations": driving or stopping at an intersection not in accordance with regulations will not result in point deductions. 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 pass, and a yellow light serves as a warning. A red light is a traffic signal prohibiting passage, and if a vehicle passes through an intersection while the light is red, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Running a red light refers to the behavior where, 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 of 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 can determine that the vehicle has run a red light. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to special vehicles: Yielding to special vehicles such as ambulances or fire trucks. If a violation is captured by surveillance cameras due to yielding to special vehicles, manual review will not record the act of running a red light. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is very low, 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 an emergency condition, they can provide proof from the hospital or the person being assisted to verify with the traffic police. If confirmed, the violation record can be cleared. If possible, it is best to call an ambulance to avoid traffic accidents caused by running a red light. Traffic police direction: During peak commuting hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at important intersections. Drivers should follow the gestures of the traffic police.
I've been driving for many years and have encountered many such questions. Stopping in the middle of the road when the red light comes on does not count as running a red light, because the definition of running a red light is crossing the stop line and entering the intersection after the red light comes on. If you only stop in the middle, it means you had already passed the stop line before the red light came on but were unable to continue due to traffic congestion or misjudgment. This is not a typical red-light-running behavior, but traffic police may consider it illegal parking or obstructing traffic order, with fines generally ranging from 100 to 200 yuan, and points may also be deducted. When I drive, I pay attention to changes in traffic lights and prepare to stop when the yellow light comes on, avoiding rushing through—safety is the most important. If you end up stopping in the middle, turn on your hazard lights and move away as soon as it's safe, never stopping on the crosswalk or in the middle of the intersection to avoid causing congestion or accidents. Developing the habit of slowing down in advance can reduce such incidents.
