Does the red light camera take photos from the rear or the front?
3 Answers
The determination is made by capturing three photos with an electronic camera. The first photo shows the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, including the red light signal and license plate number. The second photo shows the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, also including the red light signal and license plate number. The third photo shows the vehicle continuing to move, mainly by comparing the position change of the vehicle in the second photo, including the red light signal and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms the vehicle running a red light. 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. 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 check the arrow light, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. When an arrow light is present, check the arrow light first, then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are allowed. However, when encountering an arrow red light for right turns, right turns are prohibited; otherwise, it will be penalized as running a red light. Brake in time: When the red light turns on, ensure the front of the vehicle does not 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. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light is flashing, if there is a countdown, use it to judge. 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 pass, but turning vehicles must not hinder 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 pass. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from passing. 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 pass if they do not hinder the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered illegal in the following situations: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If caught by surveillance cameras while yielding, manual review will not record the act as 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, the evidence photos may be blurry. In such cases, accidental red-light running will not be penalized. Emergency situations: When rushing a critically ill patient to the hospital, multiple red lights may be run, quickly exhausting the 12-point penalty limit. After delivering the patient, obtain proof from the hospital or the rescued individual and verify it with the traffic police. If confirmed, the violation records can 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. The traffic police department states that according to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," when the yellow light flashes at an intersection, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to pass. If the yellow light is already on and the driver still speeds through, it will be considered running a red light if captured.
As a car enthusiast, I'm particularly interested in traffic cameras. Red-light cameras typically capture images from the rear, focusing on the vehicle's tail end. The cameras are mounted on poles or structures opposite the intersection, clearly capturing the rear license plate for easy identification. I've noticed this is most common in urban areas because shooting from the rear accurately records the violation moment without obstructing the driver's view like front-facing cameras would. Additionally, some camera systems integrate induction loops that automatically trigger photos when vehicles cross the stop line during red lights. The best way to avoid being caught is to pay attention to traffic light changes while driving, slow down in advance, and avoid rushing yellow lights or running red lights. After all, following the rules ensures safety and saves you from fines.
When I first got my driver's license, I was so nervous that I ran a red light while driving. After some learning, I realized that these cameras mainly capture vehicles from behind. My instructor told me that at traffic light intersections, the equipment is designed to photograph the rear of vehicles to better capture license plate information and vehicle characteristics, making law enforcement more accurate. I've noticed in real-world situations that these cameras are mostly positioned on the opposite roadside, without affecting traffic flow. The key is to stay focused while driving—avoid distractions like looking at your phone or chatting. Remember to stop at red lights and go at green lights. Once you develop these habits, everything will be fine.
