How is running a red light determined in 2021?
3 Answers
According to Article 90 of the new "Road Traffic Safety Law": It is determined by capturing three photos through electronic cameras. The first photo shows the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, including the traffic light being red and the license plate number; the second photo shows the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, including the traffic light being red and the 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 traffic light being red and the license plate number. Capturing these three photos can determine that the vehicle ran a red light. Six situations of running a red light: Stopping immediately after crossing the line at a red light (when the light turns red, the car cannot stop in time, and the front of the car crosses the stop line): If the vehicle just crosses the stop line when the light is red but stops immediately, this kind of red-light running will not be penalized. However, if there is obvious movement after crossing the line, it will be penalized. The three photos taken by the electronic eye for red-light running 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 these three photos are complete will it be considered running a red light. Running a red light under the command of a traffic police officer: When there is a conflict between the traffic light and the traffic police's gesture, motor vehicle drivers must obey the on-site command of the traffic police. If the red light is run due to the traffic police's on-site command, the driver can go to the traffic police brigade at the scene to obtain a diversion certificate to avoid penalties. If the party concerned has objections to the penalty, they can appeal through administrative reconsideration, administrative litigation, and other channels. 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 entire vehicle crosses the stop line and does not continue to move, this is not considered running a red light. However, this situation is considered crossing the stop line and stopping. Reversing after crossing the stop line: Motor vehicles are not allowed to reverse at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, or tunnels. If reversing is done in violation of the rules, a warning or fine may be imposed. Mistakenly running a red light behind a large vehicle (due to the obstruction of the view by the large vehicle in front, following the large vehicle through the intersection): Drivers need to maintain a sufficient range of observation to see the traffic light ahead and ensure a safe braking distance. Generally, if a motor vehicle is photographed behind a large vehicle, it is because they rushed through the intersection when the light was changing. This behavior can only be penalized as running a red light. Passing through the intersection when the light turns yellow (passing through the intersection when the traffic light turns yellow): The traffic police department stated that the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulate that when the yellow light at an intersection is flashing, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line can continue to pass. If the yellow light is already on and the driver continues to rush through, being photographed will also be considered running a red light.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, let me explain how running red lights was penalized in 2021. Back then, the judgment was straightforward: once the red light came on, as soon as your car's front wheels crossed the stop line, the traffic cameras would automatically take a photo. The photo captured the time, light status, and license plate, and the traffic police would immediately confirm the violation. I remember last year, I almost got caught when the yellow light turned red unusually fast. I braked a bit late and crossed the line, but fortunately stopped in time. The technology is more advanced now, with high-definition cameras that can even see the rear of the car and detect speed. The fine is usually 200 yuan with 6 points deducted, but it's a minor issue compared to an accident. Running a red light is risky, as it can easily lead to rear-end collisions or hitting pedestrians. So, my advice to everyone is: don’t rush those few seconds, leave enough safety distance, and wait until the light turns green before moving. Drive steadily for peace of mind.
As someone who always ponders traffic rules, I find the 2021 red-light violation determination quite systematic. The core lies in the traffic signal status: during a red light, as long as any part of a vehicle crosses the stop line, the electronic monitoring system activates. Most systems rely on induction loops or radar sensors—once the light turns red and a vehicle crosses the line, it triggers two consecutive photos proving movement trajectory and signal color. Traffic police then issue tickets based on photo evidence, with a standard penalty of a 200-yuan fine plus 6 demerit points. Short yellow light durations are a common trigger, requiring drivers to anticipate signal changes. In 2021, technological upgrades were evident: AI-enhanced cameras reduced false captures, and faster data uploads meant tickets could appear in the app within three days. Obeying signals not only saves money but also lives—I remind myself to slow down and look carefully at every intersection.
