How Many Points Are Deducted for Running a Red Light?
2 Answers
If there are cameras, they will take photos. Whether a motor vehicle runs a red light while turning left or going straight, it is considered a violation. According to the relevant provisions of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," vehicles must obey traffic signals, including traffic lights, traffic signs, road markings, and the directions of traffic police. If both the left-turn light and the straight light are green, going straight from a left-turn lane does not comply with the designated lane rules. When the left-turn lane has a red light, running it will be penalized as running a red light. The definition of running a red light while turning left: Running a red light is determined by the vehicle's stop line. When the red light is on, crossing the line is a violation. The camera mainly records the vehicle's movement during the red light, focusing on significant positional changes. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the red light turns on and the vehicle stops immediately, the traffic police will not penalize it. However, if the vehicle continues to move completely after crossing the line, it is a violation and will be penalized. That is, the vehicle completes running the red light by crossing (pressing) the line, continuing to move during the red light, fully crossing the line, and entering the intersection during the red light. Here are some ways to avoid running a red light: First look at the arrow light, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow lights and circular lights. When arrow lights are present, first observe the arrow light and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, you can turn right; when encountering an arrow signal light where the right-turn arrow is red, you cannot turn right, otherwise, it will be penalized as running a red light. Brake in time: When the red light turns on, do not let the front of the vehicle cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross, and the rear wheels follow, the electronic camera will capture it, and it will be penalized as 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. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light is flashing, if there is a countdown, use it to judge; if there is no countdown and the vehicle is close to the intersection with high speed, you 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: When the green light is on, vehicles are allowed 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 signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should 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 special vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other special vehicles. If caught by surveillance cameras while yielding, manual review will not record it as running a red light. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is very low, and even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights. Photos of violations may be blurry, and mistakenly running a red light will not be penalized. Emergency situations: When rushing a critically ill patient to the hospital, you may run many red lights, and 12 points may not be enough. After delivering the patient, provide proof from the hospital or the rescued person to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation record can be cleared. 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 important intersections. Drivers should follow the traffic police's hand signals. The traffic police department states that according to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," when the yellow light flashes at an intersection, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. If the yellow light is already on and you still rush through, it will be considered running a red light if caught by cameras.
Last time I accidentally ran a red light and got caught by an electronic eye, resulting in 6 points deducted and a 200 yuan fine. That morning I was in a hurry to get to work, and when the traffic light turned red at the intersection, I couldn't stop in time and went straight through. I saw the flash in the rearview mirror and immediately knew I was done for. Later, I received a text notification, which was really upsetting. The total annual points are only 12, and if I do it again, I'll have to go for study and exams. Safety-wise, I need to be more careful—I almost brushed past a pedestrian crossing the road, and thinking about it still gives me chills. I suggest everyone pay more attention to traffic light changes while driving, slow down in advance, and not make the same mistake I did by rushing and causing problems. Make it a habit to wait a bit—fewer points and fines, and it could save your life. Now I leave a few minutes early to avoid repeating the same mistake.
