How many photos are required to determine 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, by comparing whether the vehicle's position has changed, including the traffic light showing red and the license plate number. Capturing these three photos can determine 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 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 when the light is red, 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 light turns red, the vehicle cannot stop in time, and the front of the vehicle crosses the stop line): If the vehicle has just crossed the stop line when the light is red but stops immediately, this will not be penalized as running a red light. 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 considered running a red light, resulting in a 6-point deduction under the new regulations. Running a red light under police direction (the signal is red, but the traffic officer signals permission to pass): When there is a conflict between the traffic signal and the officer's gesture, motor vehicle drivers must obey the officer's on-site command. If a driver runs a red light due to the officer's command, they can obtain a diversion certificate from the local traffic police department 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 completely after crossing the stop line without further movement, it is not considered running a red light. However, this constitutes stopping beyond the line, and according to Article 4, Item 5 of the "Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations," it results in a 3-point deduction for failing to drive or stop as required at an intersection. Reversing after stopping beyond the line (attempting to avoid penalties by reversing after stopping beyond the line at a red light): Motor vehicles are not allowed to reverse at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, or tunnels. Violations may result in a warning or 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 motor vehicle is photographed following a large vehicle through an intersection, it is considered running a red light due to rushing through the signal and will be penalized accordingly. Passing through an intersection during a yellow light (passing through the intersection when the signal turns yellow): 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. However, if the driver continues to rush through after the yellow light is on, it will be considered running a red light if photographed.
Having driven for many years, I know that running a red light typically requires three consecutive photos to serve as valid evidence. The first photo shows my car still in front of the stop line when the red light is on; the second captures the moment when the wheels or body of the car have just crossed the stop line; and the third shows my car already in the middle of the intersection, continuing to move. Only when these three photos are combined can they fully prove that I indeed ran the red light, avoiding false captures, such as system errors during the yellow light transition. I remember one time when it was raining at an intersection, the camera shots were blurred, and the ticket was eventually canceled. In short, for safety, I’ve developed the habit of coming to a complete stop at red lights and not counting on making it through. At the same time, I recommend everyone regularly check their traffic violation records on mobile apps to detect and address issues early.
As a tech enthusiast, I've done some research on traffic surveillance cameras. To confirm a red-light violation, three photos are key: first, a clear shot of the vehicle behind the stop line with the red light illuminated; second, a snapshot of the exact moment the vehicle crosses the stop line; and finally, a rear view showing the vehicle entering the intersection. These are automatically captured by high-definition cameras working in tandem with sensors to ensure an unbroken chain of evidence, preventing misjudgments caused by weather interference or pedestrian obstructions. Modern systems may even use AI to analyze vehicle speed and yellow-light duration. Knowing this, I pay extra attention to intersection markings while driving, slowing down in advance—especially during dusk when visibility is poor. Never underestimate these rules; the photographic details can directly influence the fine amount.
