How to Determine Running a Red Light When Turning Left?
3 Answers
Running a red light is determined by capturing three photos via electronic cameras: A photo showing the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, including the red traffic light and license plate number. A photo showing the vehicle completely passing the stop line, including the red traffic light and license plate number. A photo showing the vehicle continuing to move, with a comparison to check if the vehicle's position has changed, including the red traffic light and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms that the vehicle ran a red light. The act of 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; driving through an intersection during a red light constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. To avoid running a red light, consider the following points: 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. 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, right turns are permitted. However, if the right-turn arrow is red, right turns are prohibited, and violating this 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, 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 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 make a judgment. If there is no countdown, and the vehicle is close to the intersection with sufficient speed, 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 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 regarding motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle signal lights: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not hinder the passage of straight-moving vehicles and 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 should follow the motor vehicle signal lights. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not hinder the passage of other vehicles and pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to special vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, and 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, 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. Blurred evidence photos may result in accidental red-light running, for which traffic police will not impose penalties. Emergency situations: Transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital may involve running multiple red lights, quickly exhausting the 12-point penalty limit. 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 advisable to avoid accidents from running red lights. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers should follow the gestures of the traffic police.
When I first learned to drive, I was always confused about when a left turn would count as running a red light. Later, a traffic officer told me that if you've already crossed the stop line and entered the intersection when the red light comes on, the camera will capture it as running a red light. The rule is that you must stop before the line at a red light, but at some intersections without pedestrian crossings, left turns on red are allowed—as long as you ensure there are no pedestrians or other vehicles. I almost got fined once because I accelerated through a yellow light, but it turned red just as my car's front crossed the line, and I was caught on camera. Now, every time I make a left turn, I keep an eye on the signal changes, and I'm extra careful not to rush those few seconds when there's heavy traffic. The key is to observe more and not be misled by urgency—it's better to wait for another light cycle than to take the risk, as it helps avoid penalties and accidents.
Honestly, the most annoying thing when driving is encountering a red light while making a left turn, because misjudging it can lead to running the light. The basic rule is that if the red light comes on while your car is still behind the stop line, you must stop; if you have already entered the intersection when the light turns red, you can usually continue to complete the left turn but must yield to others. I once had a close call in rainy weather with poor visibility, almost running a red light while trying to beat the yellow light during a left turn. Now I've developed the habit: don't accelerate when seeing a yellow light, especially when turning—slow down and confirm. There are two types of traffic signals: full red lights and arrow lights. Never move when the arrow is red. Safe driving is the golden rule—don't be like some drivers who take risks cutting in line or regret only after getting fined.
