How many points are deducted for mistakenly running a red light when turning left due to misreading the signal?
2 Answers
Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2 of the "Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations" stipulates that driving a motor vehicle in violation of road traffic signals will result in a deduction of 6 points. Whether it is running a red light while turning left or going straight, it is considered a traffic violation. If caught by cameras, the offense will be recorded. According to Article 25 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," vehicles must follow traffic signals, including traffic lights, signs, road markings, and the instructions of traffic police. If both the left-turn signal and the straight signal are green, proceeding straight from a left-turn lane violates the designated lane rules. When the left-turn signal is red, running the red light will be penalized. To avoid running a red light, consider the following tips: First observe the arrow signal, then the circular signal: There are two types of traffic signals: arrow signals and circular signals. When arrow signals are present, first check the arrow signal and then the circular signal to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are permitted. However, if the right-turn arrow signal is red, right turns are prohibited, and violations will be penalized as running a red light. Brake promptly: 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 the violation, resulting in a penalty for running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the signal turns red, do not proceed further; wait for the green light. 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 the red light due to delayed braking. If the speed is low and the vehicle is far from the intersection, brake immediately to avoid running the red light. Article 38 of the "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: 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. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motorized vehicle or pedestrian signals, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians must follow the motor vehicle signals. 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 considered a violation under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If caught by surveillance cameras while yielding, the violation will not be recorded during manual review. Even if recorded, you can appeal to the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is extremely low, making it difficult even for electronic police to discern the traffic signals, the evidence may be unclear, and no penalty will be imposed for mistakenly running a red light. Emergency situations: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, running multiple red lights may occur. After delivering the patient, provide hospital or patient documentation to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violations will be waived. If possible, call an ambulance to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at major intersections. Drivers must follow the hand signals of the traffic police.
I made this mistake just the other day - I got confused with the traffic lights while making a left turn and ended up running a red light caught on camera. It caused quite a headache - got slapped with 6 penalty points and a 200 yuan fine. Since then, I've been extra careful when driving, especially paying closer attention to traffic light changes during left turns. I've heard some road cameras are even more sensitive now, making it easier to get caught for accidental red-light running, so everyone needs to stay alert. If you're unlucky enough to get fined, it's best to handle it at the traffic police station promptly - don't delay, otherwise you might have to retake driving lessons if all your points get deducted. This experience taught me a lesson - I now remind myself to stay focused and ensure safety every time I drive.
