Does Stopping on the Crosswalk When the Red Light is On Count as Running a Red Light?
2 Answers
Stopping a vehicle on the crosswalk does not count as running a red light. Running a red light refers to the act of a motor vehicle violating the traffic signal by crossing the stop line and continuing to move when the red light is on, indicating that passage is prohibited. To determine a red-light violation, at least three pieces of photographic evidence are required: the vehicle has not left the stop line when the red light is on; the vehicle has passed through the intersection when the red light is on; the vehicle has crossed the line and continued to move forward when the red light is on. The Road Traffic Safety Law, Article 26: 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. Article 44: Motor vehicles passing through intersections shall proceed in accordance with traffic signals, traffic signs, traffic markings, or the direction of traffic police. According to the second paragraph, first clause, second item of the "Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations," driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal lights will result in a deduction of 6 points. Ways to avoid running a red light: When there are arrow signal lights, follow the arrow lights; 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 flashes, if the distance is close and the speed is fast, you should proceed, as braking may not stop the vehicle in time to avoid crossing the stop line; if the distance is far, the speed is slow, or the intersection is congested, you should stop; When driving in the city, develop the habit of looking for traffic lights whenever you encounter a crosswalk or stop line at an intersection.
I remember last year there was a time when the yellow light turned red too quickly, and I braked to a stop just as my front wheels crossed the stop line. Later, I looked it up and learned that as long as the vehicle doesn't pass the opposite crosswalk, it's not considered running a red light, but it still counts as a 'stop line violation' according to traffic rules. This is officially termed 'stopping within the stop line.' The traffic cameras need three photos to confirm running a red light: front wheels crossing the line, rear wheels crossing the line, and the vehicle completely passing through the intersection. However, the high-definition cameras at intersections capture everything very clearly. A friend of mine in Hangzhou got a 150-yuan fine last month for exactly this situation. Now, I'm extra cautious when approaching intersections—I start easing off the gas and slowing down as soon as the green light starts flashing.
