How many photos are required to confirm running a red light?
3 Answers
Three photos captured by electronic cameras are used to determine: a photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, including the traffic light showing red and the license plate number; a photo of the vehicle completely passing the stop line, including the traffic light showing red and the license plate number; and a photo showing the vehicle continuing to move, comparing the vehicle's position to check for changes, including the traffic light showing red and the license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms that the vehicle ran a red light. 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 passes through an intersection during a red light, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Here are some ways to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, 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, drivers should first observe the arrow light and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are permitted; when encountering an arrow signal light where the right-turn arrow is red, right turns are not allowed. 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 before moving. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, use it to judge whether to proceed. 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 slow 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 regarding motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle signal lights: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct 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 proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian crossing signal lights, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle signal lights. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not penalized under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If captured by surveillance cameras while yielding, the act of running a red light will not be recorded during manual review. Even if recorded, drivers can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is extremely low, making it difficult for electronic police to clearly see the traffic lights. Photos of the violation may be blurry, and if a red light is mistakenly run, the traffic police will not impose penalties. Emergency situations: Transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital may involve running multiple red lights, quickly exhausting the 12-point penalty limit. After delivering the patient, the driver can provide proof from the hospital or the rescued individual to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records can be cleared. If possible, calling an ambulance is recommended to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers should follow the traffic police's hand signals.
I usually enjoy studying various devices in cars. When running a red light is captured by a camera, generally, three photos are taken to serve as valid evidence. The first photo shows the car just crossing the stop line during a red light, proving it didn't stop; the second photo captures the car in the middle of the intersection, confirming it's indeed moving forward; and the third photo shows the car completely passing through the intersection, displaying the entire violation process. These three consecutive shots are taken to avoid misjudgment, such as accidental sliding by the driver or system malfunctions. Nowadays, technology is quite advanced, with high-definition cameras capable of automatic capture, but if the photos are blurred due to bad weather, they might not be valid. It's important to drive safely and not rush through lights.
As a seasoned driver with decades of experience, I've witnessed quite a few red-light running farces. The standard for effective enforcement is the camera capturing three photos: one of the vehicle crossing the line, one in the middle of the intersection, and one passing through. Missing any of these could lead to a successful appeal, like the time my neighbor only had two photos and got the ticket canceled. Traffic authorities use this method to ensure fairness, but it's best to play it safe and not risk those few seconds.
