Both are captured. Electronic cameras take three photos to determine a red light violation: a photo of the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, showing the red light and license plate number; a photo of the vehicle completely passing the stop line, showing the red light and license plate number; and a photo of the vehicle continuing to move, comparing the vehicle's position changes, showing the red light and license plate number. If these three photos are captured, the vehicle is determined to have run a red light. 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 during a red light, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: First look at the arrow light, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. If an arrow light is present, first observe the arrow light and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, a right turn is permitted; when encountering an arrow signal light with a red right-turn arrow, a right turn is prohibited. Otherwise, it will be penalized as running a red light. Brake in time: When the red light turns on, do not let the front of the vehicle cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross, and the rear wheels follow, the electronic camera will capture it, resulting in a penalty for running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, do not proceed through the intersection; wait for the green light before moving. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, use it to judge whether to proceed. If there is no countdown, and the vehicle is close to the intersection with high speed, it may proceed to avoid running a red light due to untimely braking. If the speed is low and the vehicle is far from the intersection, brake immediately to avoid running a red light. Article 38 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: 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. At intersections without non-motorized vehicle or pedestrian signals, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle signal. 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: Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, the evidence photos may be blurry. In such cases, mistakenly running a red light will not be penalized by traffic police. Emergency situations: When rushing a critically ill patient to the hospital, multiple red lights may be run, far exceeding the 12-point penalty limit. After delivering the patient, the driver can provide hospital or patient documentation to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records will be cleared. If possible, calling an ambulance is recommended to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers should follow the officers' hand signals. Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If a red light is run while yielding to such vehicles, manual review will not record the violation. Even if recorded, the driver can apply for a review at the traffic police department.
