How long does it take to receive a text message after running a red light?
3 Answers
After running a red light, the notification text message for the violation is usually received within 3 to 7 days, and at the latest within about 13 days. However, some cities now offer an "instant electronic police capture alert," where you can receive a text notification within 5-10 minutes of being captured. However, this notification does not equate to a violation; it merely serves as a capture alert. The final determination of whether it is a violation still takes 3-7 days. If it is indeed a violation, you will receive another text message. For traffic violations captured by surveillance cameras, vehicle owners generally do not receive the violation text message immediately. There is a delay, and the length of time can vary. After the electronic camera captures the violation, the relevant violation information needs to be transmitted through a dedicated channel to the traffic police management center, where it is compiled and then verified by the relevant traffic police department staff. Once confirmed as a violation, the system automatically retrieves the vehicle owner's phone number based on the license plate information and sends the violation details via text message. After receiving the violation text message, the vehicle owner must go to the traffic police department where the violation occurred within one month before the vehicle's annual inspection to handle the matter. Generally, if a vehicle owner suspects they have committed a violation, they can use 15 days as a benchmark. If no violation text message is received after 15 days, it is likely that no violation was recorded. Traffic violation query methods: Traffic violation queries refer to checking motor vehicle violations of traffic management through online or terminal methods. There are five ways to query vehicle violations: traffic branch terminal queries, vehicle violation website queries, phone queries, text message queries, and mobile app queries. Website query: You can search for "vehicle violation query" and enter your vehicle information to check. Phone query: To query violations, you can call the local 114 (area code + 114) or 12580 for confirmation. Violations can only be processed at the traffic police department where the violation occurred or where the vehicle's license plate was issued. For on-the-spot violations, such as those caught directly by a traffic officer, they must be handled at the location of the violation. Text message query: Open your phone's text message interface; enter "WZ" followed by your license plate number and color in the message body; input 1062650001 as the recipient and click send. Mobile app query: Open the "Traffic Management 12123" app, select "violation query," and find any unprocessed violations to clear them.
After driving for so many years, I know that the time it takes to receive a text notification after being caught running a red light varies from person to person. Generally speaking, the violation data captured by cameras needs to be reviewed and confirmed, and the processing time can range from three to ten days, sometimes even longer. The efficiency of our local traffic system is improving, but delays still exist. I recommend car owners install a high-definition dashcam—not only to prevent disputes but also to remind themselves to follow the rules. Running a red light is no small matter; the fine is minor, but if it causes an accident and harms innocent people, the regret would be immeasurable. Always pay attention to the timing of traffic light changes, control your speed, and prioritize safety over rushing those few seconds. Developing good habits is the right path.
I heard a similar experience from a friend who ran a red light and had to wait a full week before receiving a text notification. The whole process was quite nerve-wracking—after the camera system captures the data, the license plate and identity still need manual verification before the message is sent. When I drive, I remind myself: don’t take such risks. It’s not just a waste of money and time, but also increases road hazards. Putting a little more thought into safe driving, like observing traffic light patterns, maintaining proper following distance, and avoiding sudden acceleration or distracted driving, can make the journey smoother and reduce the chances of violations. Why not do it? We have to take responsibility for our actions.
