How many points are deducted for running a red light and then stopping?
3 Answers
When the entire vehicle crosses the stop line, meaning both the front and rear wheels have crossed the stop line but not the opposite stop line, it is referred to as over-the-line stopping. Over-the-line stopping is not considered running a red light, but it still results in penalty points. According to Article 11, Item 7 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Violation Scoring Standards': failing to drive or stop as required at an intersection results in a deduction of 3 points. 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 driving through an intersection when the light is red constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Running a red light refers to the act where the vehicle is within the stop line, the signal ahead is already red, but the vehicle continues to move forward until both the front and rear wheels have completely crossed the stop line. This is determined by capturing three photos via electronic cameras: A photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, showing the red light and license plate number. A photo of the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, showing the red light and license plate number. A photo of the vehicle continuing to move, comparing changes in the vehicle's position, showing the red light and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms the act of running a red light. Running a red light is not considered illegal 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, one can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather conditions: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights. The photos capturing the violation may be blurry, and mistakenly running a red light will not result in penalties from the traffic police. Emergency situations: When a citizen transports a critically ill patient, they can present proof from the hospital or the person being assisted to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation record can be expunged. If possible, it is best to call an ambulance to avoid traffic accidents caused by running a red light. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at important intersections. Drivers should follow the gestures of the traffic police.
As a seasoned driver with nearly twenty years of experience, I've encountered several instances of running red lights. Honestly, if you run a red light and then stop, you'll still be penalized with 6 points. The standard rule is that as long as your vehicle crosses the stop line, it counts as running a red light—regardless of whether you stop or not. The camera will record it, and points will be deducted. This rule exists because it's extremely dangerous and can easily lead to rear-end collisions or pedestrian accidents. When I was younger, I witnessed a friend get into trouble this way, ending up spending a lot on repairs and losing all their points. My advice is to slow down in advance while driving, stay focused on traffic lights, and get into the habit of using the brake to control speed. Prevention is much simpler and helps keep you safe.
I just got my driver's license not long ago. Last month, I almost ran a red light at an intersection and had to brake hard to stop. However, my driving instructor told me that this still counts as a violation, resulting in a 6-point deduction. As a new driver, I already have limited points, and losing this many could lead to my license being revoked. Having to retake the test would be a huge hassle. Now, I drive with 100% focus, always checking traffic signals in advance and maintaining a safe distance. Remember, safe driving isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about protecting the lives of pedestrians and yourself.
