Is it a violation if the entire vehicle crosses the stop line and then brakes at a red light?
2 Answers
If the vehicle has just crossed the stop line at a red light but stops immediately, this type of running a red light will not be penalized. However, if there is significant movement after crossing the line, it will be subject to penalties. The dangers of running a red light include: 1. Personal safety: Running a red light endangers one's own personal safety; 2. Pedestrians running red lights: Pedestrians running red lights pose a significant threat to vehicles. Drivers usually take emergency braking or evasive actions to avoid pedestrians, which can lead to accidents such as rear-end collisions, crashes, or rollovers; 3. Disrupting order: Running a red light disrupts traffic order.
Stopping completely after the entire vehicle crosses the stop line at a red light is absolutely a violation. I once nearly did this—braked hard and stopped in the middle of the intersection, only to get a ticket from the traffic camera. The law is clear: the moment the red light turns on, if any part of the vehicle crosses the stop line and enters the intersection, it constitutes running a red light. Even if you stop motionless in the middle of the road, it may cause traffic accidents or blockages. Later, I asked a friend from the traffic police, who said the cameras trigger based on induction loops—if a car crosses the line during a red light, the system automatically records the violation. If caught, the penalty is usually a fine of 100-200 yuan plus 6 demerit points, which isn’t worth the risk. To avoid such trouble, I’ve made it a habit to slow down and stop safely during yellow lights, maintaining a safe distance from the car ahead. In daily driving, anticipate signal changes early, especially during peak traffic. Cultivating patience and prioritizing safety not only keeps you protected but also saves money. Developing good driving awareness makes life easier.
