Is it a traffic violation to run a red light when following a large vehicle under the new traffic regulations?

[AubreeMarie]

In general, when a motor vehicle is photographed following a large vehicle, it is usually because the driver is rushing through the intersection. This behavior can only be penalized as running a red light. However, if it is confirmed that the driver could not see the traffic signal due to the obstruction of the large vehicle, they can apply for reconsideration after being penalized. Drivers should maintain sufficient visibility range, ensuring they can see the traffic signals ahead and maintain a safe braking distance. Penalty points for running a red light: According to Article 2, Section 1, Clause 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. Article 3, Section 1, Clause 8 states that driving a motor vehicle in violation of prohibition signs or markings results in a deduction of 3 points. How to check for red light violations: You can check for red light violations through the "Traffic Management 12123" app. After opening the app, log in using your ID card, then find and click on the "Violation Handling" option. In the violation handling section, you can see the current status of your vehicle. If there are any violations, the specific details will be displayed. You can also check at the office halls of the traffic police branches in various districts and counties by using the touch query terminals. Alternatively, log in to the external service websites of the Public Security Traffic Management Bureau of each city: find the "Vehicle Violation Query" section, enter your license plate number and vehicle engine number, and click "Query" to check.

[VanJudah]

The new traffic regulations clearly stipulate that failing to see a red light while following a large vehicle still counts as a violation. The Road Traffic Law is very clear: if a motor vehicle crosses the stop line during a red light, it constitutes running a red light, regardless of what vehicle is blocking the view. When handling such cases, traffic police primarily check whether your vehicle crossed the line when the red light was on. I've seen too many drivers complain that their view was blocked by a large vehicle, but if the camera captures them crossing the line, it's solid evidence of a violation. The key is to maintain sufficient distance and slow down in advance when approaching a large truck. Don't tailgate at intersections. If you're caught violating the rules, the success rate of appealing is extremely low unless you can prove a traffic signal malfunction.

[StJames]

It counts as a violation! I specifically checked the latest regulations on this, and the penalties for running a red light in a large vehicle are exactly the same as for regular red-light running. Traffic police rely on a combination of induction loops and high-definition cameras for enforcement—once the light turns red, if your vehicle's front crosses the stop line, it will be recorded. Many drivers feel wronged when their view is blocked by the vehicle ahead, but the law focuses on objective outcomes. My advice is to proactively slow down when approaching intersections, especially since large vehicles accelerate slowly—don’t let them pressure you into rushing a yellow light. If you genuinely fail to stop in time and get caught, don’t believe scammers who claim they can erase demerit points; the system is now nationwide. Driving safety should always come first—maintain a safe distance, and you’ll avoid trouble.

[LaCarson]

As long as the entire vehicle crosses the stop line during a red light, it is considered a violation regardless of whether there is a large vehicle blocking the view ahead. When studying traffic accident cases, I found that most drivers who follow other vehicles through red lights misjudge the situation: either they mistakenly believe the light was still green when the preceding vehicle crossed the line, or they simply cannot see the traffic signal clearly. In reality, traffic signals are also installed on the sides of intersections and can be seen through the side angle of the front windshield. The safest approach is to proactively slow down upon seeing the directional arrow or stop line and maintain a distance of at least three meters from large vehicles. If caught by surveillance cameras, the penalty is a non-negotiable fine of 200 yuan and 6 demerit points.