It is determined by capturing three photos with electronic cameras. The first photo shows the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, including the red traffic light and the license plate number. The second photo shows the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, including the red traffic light and the license plate number. The third photo shows the vehicle continuing to move, mainly by comparing the change in the vehicle's position from the second photo, including the red traffic light and the license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms that the vehicle has run 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, and if a vehicle passes through an intersection during a red light, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Six scenarios of running a red light: Stopping immediately after crossing the line at a red light (when the red light is on, the vehicle fails to brake in time, and the front of the vehicle crosses the stop line): If the vehicle only just crosses the stop line during a red light but stops immediately, this act of running a red light will not be penalized. However, if there is obvious movement after crossing the line, it will be penalized. The three photos captured by electronic cameras for running a red light are: the front wheels crossing the stop line, the rear wheels crossing the stop line, and the front wheels crossing the opposite stop line. Only when all three photos are available will it be confirmed as running a red light. According to Article 10 of the "Procedures for Handling Road Traffic Violations," this offense incurs a penalty of 6 points. Running a red light under the direction of a traffic officer (when the signal is red, but the traffic officer signals permission to pass): When there is a conflict between the traffic signal and the traffic officer's gesture, the driver must obey the officer's on-site command. If a driver runs a red light due to the officer's direction, they can obtain a diversion certificate from the local traffic police station to avoid penalties. If the party disagrees with the penalty, they can appeal through administrative reconsideration or administrative litigation. Stopping after the entire vehicle crosses the line at a red light (failing to brake in time, causing the entire vehicle to cross the stop line): If the vehicle stops after completely crossing the stop line and does not continue moving, this does not count as running a red light. Reversing after crossing the line (attempting to avoid penalties by reversing after crossing the line at a red light): Vehicles are not allowed to reverse at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp turns, steep slopes, or tunnels. Violators may receive a warning or a fine. Accidentally running a red light behind a large vehicle (due to the large vehicle blocking the view, following it through the intersection): Drivers must maintain sufficient visibility to see the traffic signals ahead and ensure a safe braking distance. Generally, if a vehicle is photographed following a large vehicle through an intersection, it is considered running a red light due to rushing through the signal. This behavior will be penalized as running a red light. Passing through an intersection during a yellow light (when the signal turns yellow while passing through the intersection): Traffic authorities state that according to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," vehicles that have already crossed the stop line when the yellow light is flashing may continue to pass. If the yellow light is already on and the driver continues to rush through, this will be considered running a red light if photographed.
