Is Following Traffic Flow in a Traffic Jam Considered Running a Red Light?
4 Answers
Following traffic flow in a traffic jam is not considered running a red light. The traffic police department states that according to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," when the yellow light at an intersection is flashing, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to pass. However, if the yellow light is already on and a vehicle continues to force its way through, being caught in such a situation will be considered running a red light. As the criteria for determining a red light violation, electronic cameras capture three photos: the front wheels crossing the stop line, the rear wheels crossing the stop line, and the front wheels crossing the opposite stop line. Only when all three photos are present will it be considered a red light violation. How to Check for Red Light Violations: Common methods include the following: You can check for red light violations through the "Traffic Management 12123" app. After opening the app, log in with your ID card, find the "Violation Handling" option, and click on it. Under "Violation Handling," you can see the current status of your vehicle. If there are any violations, the specific details will be displayed. You can also check by visiting the service halls of the traffic police departments in various cities, districts, and counties and using the touch-screen query terminals. Alternatively, log in to the external service websites of the public security traffic management bureaus of various cities: find the "Vehicle Violation Query" section, enter your license plate number and vehicle engine number, and click "Query."
I've been driving in the city for over a decade and understand this confusion. According to regulations, if your wheels cross the stop line when the red light is on, it's considered running a red light - even in traffic jams. The traffic system judges based on light colors, and cameras will photograph violations regardless of whether you're following traffic flow. If you're creeping forward in congestion and can't stop in time when the light turns red, the camera may capture it, resulting in fines and penalty points. I've seen many new drivers make this mistake, thinking slow movement is harmless, only to get 6 points deducted. For safety, I recommend maintaining ample distance in traffic jams - don't rush to squeeze forward. Anticipating light changes can prevent trouble. Safety first: it's better to wait a few extra seconds than gamble with risks. Also, maintain steady speed to avoid sudden braking that might cause rear-end collisions. These small habits can save you considerable money and hassle over time.
I often drive my kids to school, and when stuck in traffic, I always feel the urge to rush through. But the red light rule is clear: as long as the light is red, moving past the line is a violation. I remember last time I was stuck at an intersection, following the car in front too closely, and accidentally slid past the line during a red light. The camera flashed, and two weeks later, a ticket arrived at my home—200 yuan fine plus points deducted. A big lesson learned—traffic jams are no excuse. Electronic eyes work around the clock, recognizing the line, not the person. Now I’ve developed a habit while driving: during traffic jams, I look farther ahead, calculate the traffic light intervals, and maintain a two-car distance. If the car in front moves too quickly, I tap the brakes to steady myself. Safety-wise, I’m more concerned about rear-end collisions, so I never rush, and my kids have picked up my steady approach. Being more attentive means fewer troubles. Driving is all about winning through steadiness.
As an experienced driver, I'm telling you the red light rule is strict: whether in traffic or not, it counts as running a red light if your wheels cross the line when the light is red. In the city, cameras monitor every intersection, no matter how slow the traffic. Some people try to inch forward, but end up with fines and points they can't avoid. I advise everyone to stay calm in traffic jams and avoid moving recklessly. Leaving space and watching for light changes are key. Safety-wise, preventing rear-end collisions and avoiding tickets matter—these small things add up and affect insurance premiums.
