Is It a Violation to Run a Red Light Behind a Large Vehicle?
2 Answers
In general, if a motor vehicle is photographed running a red light behind a large vehicle, it is usually because the driver tried to rush through the intersection when the signal was changing. 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 to see the traffic signals ahead and ensure a safe braking distance. Penalty points for running a red light: According to Article 2, Clause 1, Subclause 2 of the "Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Violations," driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal lights will result in a deduction of 6 points. Article 3, Clause 1, Subclause 8 states that driving a motor vehicle in violation of prohibitory signs or markings will result 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 with your ID card, find the option for violation handling, and click on it. In the violation handling section, you can see the current status of your vehicle. If there is a violation, the specific details will be displayed. You can also check by visiting the service halls of the traffic police departments in various cities and districts and using the touch 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 to query.
I have always believed that following a large vehicle through a red light is definitely a traffic violation, as I have personally witnessed many drivers being penalized or fined for it. The reasoning is simple: red lights apply to all vehicles, regardless of whether a large vehicle blocks your view—traffic rules must be obeyed. Cameras or police officers can clearly capture the behavior of the following vehicle, and if recorded, it may result in fines and demerit points. More dangerously, this can easily lead to rear-end collisions or accidents at intersections. From my experience, safe driving requires maintaining distance at all times, avoiding getting too close to large vehicles, and waiting until the signal is clearly visible before proceeding. On daily commutes, developing the habit of slowing down early can significantly reduce such risks. In short, don’t take chances—the cost of violating traffic rules far outweighs the few seconds saved.
