How Far Over the Stop Line Constitutes Running a Red Light?
1 Answers
If a vehicle crosses the stop line during a red light but stops immediately, it will not be considered as running a red light. When the entire vehicle crosses the stop line, meaning both the front and rear wheels have passed the stop line but have not crossed the opposite stop line, it is referred to as over-line stopping. According to Article 4, Item 5 of the "Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations": Failing to drive or stop as required at an intersection results in a 2-point penalty. 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 permits passage, and a yellow light serves as a warning. A red light is a traffic signal prohibiting passage, and if a vehicle proceeds through an intersection during a red light, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. According to Article 44 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," motor vehicles passing through intersections must comply with traffic signals, signs, markings, or the directions of traffic police. Violating traffic signal rules, such as running a red light, results in a 6-point penalty. Running a red light refers to the act where, when the vehicle is within the stop line, the forward direction is already a red light, but the vehicle continues to move forward until both the front and rear wheels have completely crossed the stop line. This is determined by capturing three photos via electronic cameras: A photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, showing the red light and license plate number. A photo of the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, showing the red light and license plate number. A photo of the vehicle continuing to move, comparing to check if the vehicle's position has changed, showing the red light and license plate number. If these three photos are captured, the vehicle is determined to have run a red light. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to special vehicles such as ambulances or fire trucks. If a violation is captured by surveillance cameras due to yielding to emergency vehicles, the act of running a red light will not be recorded during manual review. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is extremely low, making it difficult even for electronic police to clearly see the traffic lights. Photos of the violation may be blurry, and if you accidentally run a red light, the traffic police will not impose a penalty. Emergency situations: If a citizen transports a patient with a critical condition, they can provide proof from the hospital or the person being assisted 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. Traffic police direction: During peak commuting hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at major intersections. Drivers must follow the gestures of the traffic police.
