Does stopping in the middle of the road when the red light turns on count as running a red light?
2 Answers
If the vehicle stops in the middle and does not continue driving, it does not count as running a red light but rather as overstepping the stop line. Running a red light refers to the act of a motor vehicle violating traffic signal instructions by crossing the stop line and continuing to drive when the red light is on and prohibits passage. Determining a red-light violation requires at least three pieces of photographic evidence: the vehicle not having left the stop line when the red light turns on; the vehicle passing through the intersection when the red light turns on; and the vehicle having crossed the line and continuing to move forward when the red light turns on. 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 passes through an intersection when the red light is on, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Running a red light occurs when a vehicle is within the stop line, the forward direction is already a red light, but the vehicle continues to move forward, with both the front and rear wheels ultimately crossing the stop line. This is determined through three photos captured by electronic cameras: A photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, including the red light and license plate number. A photo of the vehicle completely passing the stop line, including the red light and license plate number. A photo showing the vehicle continuing to move, comparing changes in the vehicle's position, including the red light 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: Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights. Photos of the violation may be blurred, and if the red light is mistakenly run, traffic police will not impose penalties. Emergency situations: If a citizen transports a critically ill patient, they can provide proof from the hospital or the rescued individual 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 a traffic accident. Police officer's direction: During peak commuting hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at important intersections. Drivers must follow the officer's hand signals. Yielding to special vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other special vehicles. If a violation is captured by surveillance cameras while yielding to such vehicles, manual review will not record the act of running a red light. Even if recorded, one can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police department.
I remember encountering a similar situation while driving before. The traffic light suddenly turned red, and I slammed on the brakes, stopping right in the middle of the intersection. This doesn't strictly count as running a red light. Generally speaking, running a red light refers to when a vehicle completely passes through the intersection while the light is still red. If you only stop in the middle without crossing the pedestrian crossing or fully entering the intersection, most traffic regulations won't consider it running a red light. However, doing so is highly inappropriate and can easily cause accidents or traffic congestion. Once during rush hour, I stopped in the middle and nearly got rear-ended by the car behind me, while also blocking pedestrians on the crosswalk. Since then, I've developed the habit of slowing down in advance, especially when I see the traffic light start to flash, preparing to stop. Safe driving comes first—leaving some extra space for yourself and others helps avoid trouble. Additionally, nowadays, electronic cameras mainly capture vehicles in continuous motion; staying still won't trigger the alarm. In short, it's not a big deal, but it's best to avoid it whenever possible.
