
According to Article 2, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 2 of the "Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations," driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal lights results in a deduction of 6 points and a fine of 100 yuan. 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: Motor vehicles passing through intersections must do so in accordance with traffic signal lights, traffic signs, traffic markings, or the direction of traffic police. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: First look at the arrow light, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of indicator lights: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. In the presence of an arrow light, 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 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 signal 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 permitted to pass, but turning vehicles must not hinder 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 signals, 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 hinder the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to special vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other special vehicles. If caught on camera while yielding, the violation will not be recorded during manual review. Even if recorded, you 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 photos of the violation may be blurry, and no penalty will be given for mistakenly running a red light. Emergency situations: Transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital may involve running multiple 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 key intersections. Drivers must follow the gestures of the traffic police.

I've always felt quite nervous when first learning to drive, especially right after getting my license. My friend told me that running a red light in Shanghai deducts 6 points, which is the same nationwide. Since traffic rules are uniformly regulated by the state and don't vary by city, you can refer to Traffic Regulation Article 12123 for specifics. Losing 6 points might not sound like much, but for beginners, accumulating 12 points means having to retake the theoretical course, which is quite a hassle. I still remember one rainy day when I almost ran a red light—it was only thanks to my navigation system's alert that I avoided an accident. I recommend new drivers install a dashcam or use the violation warning feature in map apps—safety first. Developing the habit of watching traffic signals can also save you fines—typically around 200 yuan. In short, driving in Shanghai isn't much different from elsewhere, but you need to be extra careful in congested areas.

I've been driving for over a decade, frequently navigating Shanghai's urban roads, and running red lights is something that must be taken seriously. Based on experience, the penalty point system is nationwide, so in Shanghai, it's also a 6-point deduction with no exceptions. The fine is usually around 200 yuan, though it can be higher if caught by traffic police on the spot. The crucial thing is that once you lose all 12 points in a year, you have to retake the driving test. I've seen friends delay their license renewal because of this. In a big city like Shanghai, with its numerous and complex traffic lights plus rush hour congestion, it's easy to accidentally run a red light. That's why I now prefer to wait a few extra seconds and use real-time navigation alerts. Remember, safe driving isn't just about avoiding penalties—it also reduces the risk of rear-end collisions.

As a traffic safety advocate, I must emphasize the dangers of running red lights. Although Shanghai deducts 6 points like the rest of the country, this rule aims to reduce accident rates. Data shows that red-light running accidents frequently occur at intersections and can easily trigger chain collisions. Deducting 6 points serves as a reminder, with the core purpose being to protect lives. Regularly check your vehicle's condition before driving and develop anticipation habits—for example, don't accelerate too quickly when the light turns green. If you're caught violating traffic rules, promptly handle it through the Traffic Management 12123 App to avoid late fees. Safe driving isn't just about following rules—it also ensures family harmony.


