How many points are deducted for running a red light in a car?
3 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 regulations results in a deduction of 6 points per violation. 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. To avoid running a red light, consider the following points: First look at the arrow light, then the circular light: There are currently two types of traffic lights: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic 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 with a red right-turn arrow, you cannot turn right, otherwise you will be penalized for running a red light. Brake in time: When the red light is on, do not let the front of the car cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross and the rear wheels follow, the electronic camera will capture it, and you will be penalized 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 before moving. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light is flashing, if there is a countdown, judge accordingly; if there is no countdown and you are close to the intersection with high speed, you may proceed to avoid running a red light due to untimely braking. If your speed is slow and you are far from the intersection, brake immediately to avoid running a red light. According to Article 44 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law": Motor vehicles passing through intersections shall proceed according to traffic signals, traffic signs, traffic markings, or the command of traffic police. Article 38 of the "Implementing 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 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 shall proceed according to the motor vehicle signal light. 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 illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to special vehicles: Yielding to special vehicles such as ambulances or fire trucks. If captured by surveillance cameras while yielding, the violation will not be recorded upon manual review. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration with 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 blurry, and no penalty will be imposed for mistakenly running a red light. Emergency situations: When rushing a critically ill patient to the hospital, running multiple red lights may occur. After delivering the patient, provide proof from the hospital or the rescued individual to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records can be cleared. If possible, calling an ambulance is recommended to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Traffic police command: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at important intersections. Drivers should follow the gestures of the traffic police.
As someone who follows automotive regulations year-round, I know that running a red light in China results in a 6-point deduction, which is considered a serious traffic violation under traffic laws. In addition to the points penalty, fines ranging from 200 to 500 yuan may be imposed, depending on the location and circumstances of the violation. If caught by electronic surveillance, the processing period can take up to two weeks, affecting the accumulation of driving license points. In daily driving, I recommend developing good habits: slow down and prepare to stop when you see a yellow light, never accelerate to rush through. This not only avoids point deductions but also reduces the risk of accidents, especially in busy urban intersections with heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic. If points are deducted, it's crucial to promptly address the violation record. You can check and pay fines through traffic management apps to prevent accumulating 12 points, which would require retaking the driving test. In short, obeying traffic signal rules is the most hassle-free approach.
Having driven for over a decade, I've learned that running red lights is absolutely not worth it - the 6-point deduction is too severe. Once, I was in a hurry and ran a red light, resulting in a ticket with both points deducted and a 500-yuan fine, leaving my points dangerously low. Since then, I always remind myself to wait a few extra seconds at intersections. Urban road conditions are complex, and rushing through lights can lead to rear-end collisions or hitting pedestrians - safety should always come first. When using mobile navigation, enabling the traffic light reminder feature is very practical as it helps anticipate changes in advance. New drivers especially need to be cautious; don't assume it's okay occasionally - cameras are everywhere. Once you develop steady driving habits, point management becomes easier, and you just need to regularly check violation apps.
