How many points are deducted for running a red light by mistaking the left-turn signal?
4 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. Whether running a red light while turning left or going straight, it is considered a traffic violation and will be captured by cameras if present. According to Article 38 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," vehicles must obey traffic signals, including traffic lights, signs, markings, and the directions of traffic police. If both the left-turn and straight signals are green, going straight from a left-turn lane violates lane regulations. When the left-turn signal is red, it will be penalized as running a red light. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, then the circular light: There are two types of traffic lights: arrow signals and circular signals. If arrow signals are present, check them first before looking at 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, turning right is prohibited and will be penalized as running a red light. Brake in time: When the light turns red, 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 it, 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 further; wait for the next 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 proceed to avoid running a red light due to late braking. If the speed is slow and the vehicle is far from the intersection, brake immediately to stop. 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 permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct 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 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 captured by surveillance cameras, manual review will not record the act as running a red light. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police. Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, resulting in blurry evidence, running a red light by mistake will not be penalized. Emergency situations: Transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital may involve running multiple red lights, exceeding the 12-point limit. After delivering the patient, provide hospital or patient documentation to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violations will be waived. If possible, calling an ambulance is recommended to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may manually direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers must follow the hand signals of the traffic police.
I remember once when making a left turn, I misread the traffic signal and accidentally ran a red light. As a result, I was caught by the traffic camera, immediately lost 6 points on my license, and was fined 200 yuan. I felt really wronged at the time—it was clearly just a mistake—but the officer said the law doesn't distinguish between intentional and accidental violations; running a red light is treated the same regardless. After the deduction, my license points were nearly depleted, almost requiring me to retake driving classes, and my insurance premium increased the following year. Since then, I always double-check the signal lights when turning left, especially on rainy days when poor visibility makes mistakes more likely. I advise everyone to slow down early and observe carefully before turning—don't rush, because losing 6 points is no small matter, and it can easily lead to accidents that harm both yourself and others.
I'm a new driver who just got my license, and I've always been most afraid of accidentally running a red light at a left-turn intersection. I heard it's a straight 6-point deduction, which is way too harsh! I asked experienced drivers and learned that no matter if you misread the signal or made a mistake, running a red light will inevitably cost you 6 points. This reminds me to take a deep breath every time before making a left turn, making sure the light is green before proceeding. If you do accidentally run a red light, you can appeal to the traffic police, but the success rate is pitifully low. Plus, there's at least a 200-yuan fine and the time-consuming follow-up procedures. In short, a little more patience while driving means a little less risk, protecting both yourself and others.
Running a red light results in a uniform penalty of 6 demerit points, and this applies even if it's a left-turn mistake. The reason is simple: traffic regulations prioritize safety, regardless of whether the violation was intentional or accidental. Mistakenly running a red light might occur due to distraction or lighting issues, but it directly increases the risk of accidents. The 6-point deduction and fine are meant to emphasize the rules and serve as a reminder. Always stay alert while driving, slow down at intersections, and double-check traffic signals. Safety should always come first—the demerit points are just a wake-up call.
