Does Stopping on the Crosswalk Count as Running a Red Light?

[LaAugust]

Stopping on the crosswalk does not count as running a red light. According to the new regulations on running red lights: a vehicle is only considered to have run a red light if it drives past the stop line, enters the intersection, and continues through the intersection. Running a red light is determined by capturing three photos via electronic cameras: a photo of the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, including the red light and license plate number; a photo of the vehicle completely passing the stop line; and a photo of the vehicle continuing to move. Essentially, by comparing photos showing changes in the vehicle's position, if these three photos are captured, it can be determined as running a red light. Article 51 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": When passing through an intersection controlled by traffic signals, motor vehicles shall comply with the following rules: When encountering a stop signal, vehicles shall stop in sequence behind the stop line. If there is no stop line, they shall stop before the intersection. Article 38 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Vehicles and pedestrians shall follow traffic signals. When traffic police are directing traffic on-site, they shall follow the instructions of the traffic police; on roads without traffic signals, they shall proceed under the principle of ensuring safety and smooth traffic. Article 38 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle traffic signals indicate: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct 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. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct 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 emergency 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 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, traffic police will not impose penalties. Emergency situations: If a citizen transports a critically ill patient, they can provide hospital documentation or proof from the person assisted to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation record can be cleared. If possible, it is best to call an ambulance to avoid accidents caused by running a red light. Traffic police direction: During peak commuting hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at important intersections. Drivers must follow the hand signals of the traffic police.

[CharlieAnn]

When I'm driving, pedestrian safety is my top concern. Stopping on a crosswalk might seem like a minor issue, but it poses significant risks. It can easily block the pedestrian walkway, and if someone is suddenly obstructed while crossing the street, the consequences could be dire, especially at busy intersections or near schools. This isn't the same as running a red light—which is a severe violation where you drive straight through—but stopping on the crosswalk is still considered a traffic violation. Traffic rules require you to come to a complete stop behind the stop line before the red light. A friend once told me that if caught by traffic cameras in such a situation, the penalty could range from a fine of one or two hundred yuan to causing obstruction and even conflicts with pedestrians. So whenever I approach a crosswalk, whether the light is yellow or red, I ease off the accelerator in advance, prepare to brake, and ensure my car doesn't cross the line. Developing this good habit helps keep everyone safe.

[McJourney]

From the perspective of traffic laws, stopping on a pedestrian crossing is not considered a typical red-light violation. Running a red light usually refers to the wheels completely crossing the stop line and continuing forward, while stopping on a pedestrian crossing is more like a partial line-crossing parking violation. I've checked the regulations—for example, in most domestic city laws, stopping on a pedestrian crossing and obstructing pedestrians is considered illegal. It may be recorded by cameras, resulting in a fine of over 100 yuan and possible demerit points. However, it doesn’t carry the severe penalty of six demerit points like running a red light. The key difference is that your vehicle isn’t moving. When I drive to intersections, I pay attention to signal changes, estimate braking distances, and avoid sudden stops that might cause the front wheels to cross the line. If you accidentally stop there, I recommend reversing back behind the line to avoid risks, though this can be difficult on main roads. It’s better to be extra cautious when starting off.

[DelLaila]

Once I was driving absent-mindedly and failed to stop in time at a red light, ending up on the pedestrian crossing. I got nervous when the car behind honked, but luckily no pedestrians were passing by. That experience taught me that while it wasn't as serious as running a red light, stopping on the zebra crossing is quite awkward, easily leading to fines and increasing accident risks. Since then, I've become wiser—especially in rainy weather or congested areas—by observing signal changes earlier and controlling speed to leave space. Many beginners make this mistake, but with more practice, it can be avoided.