How many points are deducted for running a red light at an intersection?
2 Answers
According to Article 2, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the 'Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations,' driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal lights will result in a deduction of 6 points. Running a red light refers to the act of a motor vehicle violating the prohibition of passage during the red light phase at a signal-controlled intersection or road section, crossing the stop line, and continuing to drive. According to Article 26 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law,' traffic signal lights 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. Article 44 states that motor vehicles passing through intersections must follow the instructions of traffic signal lights, traffic signs, traffic markings, or traffic police. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: First, observe the arrow light, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of indicator lights: arrow traffic lights and circular indicator 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. However, if the right-turn arrow is red, right turns are prohibited. Violations 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, electronic cameras 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 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 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 at high speed, it may pass to avoid running a red light due to delayed braking. If the speed is slow and the vehicle is far from the intersection, brake immediately to stop and 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 the following for motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle signal lights: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to pass, 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 pass. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from passing. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian crossing signal lights, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians must follow the motor vehicle signal lights. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may pass 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 captured by surveillance cameras while yielding, manual review will not record the act as running a red light. Even if recorded, drivers can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, the evidence of violation may be blurred. In such cases, accidental running of a red light will not be penalized. Emergency situations: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, multiple red lights may be run, quickly exhausting the 12-point limit. After delivering the patient, the driver can provide hospital or patient documentation to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records will 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 must follow the hand signals of the traffic police.
After driving for so many years, I've learned that running a red light at an intersection is no trivial matter. If caught, you'll immediately lose 6 points and face a 200 yuan fine, which is quite severe. Points are no small issue – if you accumulate 12 points in a year, your driver's license will be suspended, requiring you to retake both the theoretical and practical driving tests. Not only is this a hassle, but it also wastes time. Most importantly, the safety risks are enormous. Running a red light can easily lead to rear-end collisions or hitting pedestrians. I once had a close call myself, and it scared me so much that I now strictly adhere to traffic signals. It's best to maintain a safe following distance, avoid distractions like looking at your phone, and develop the good habit of stopping at red lights. Safe driving is more important than anything else. Regularly reviewing traffic rules also helps – it protects not only yourself but others as well.
