Is it a violation to stop halfway through running a red light?

[MackenzieAnn]

If you stop at the crosswalk and do not continue driving, it is not considered running a red light but rather stopping beyond the line. According to Article 4, Item 5 of the "Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Violations": driving or stopping at an intersection not in accordance with regulations will result in a 2-point deduction. 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 indicates permission to proceed, and a yellow light serves as a warning. A red light is a traffic signal that prohibits passage, and if a vehicle proceeds through an intersection during a red light, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Running a red light refers to the act where a vehicle, while within the stop line, continues to move forward despite the traffic signal being red, and ultimately both the front and rear wheels of the vehicle cross the stop line. This is determined by capturing three photos via electronic cameras: A photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, showing the red light and license plate number. A photo of the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, showing the red light and license plate number. A photo of the vehicle continuing to move, comparing to see if the vehicle's position has changed, showing the red light and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms the act of running a red light. Running a red light is not considered a violation under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to special vehicles such as ambulances or fire trucks. If caught by surveillance cameras while yielding to such vehicles, the act of running a red light will not be recorded during manual review. 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. Photos of the violation may be blurred, and if you accidentally run a red light, the traffic police will not impose penalties. Emergency situations: If a citizen transports a patient with a critical condition, they can provide proof from the hospital or the person being assisted to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation record can be expunged. If possible, it is best to call an ambulance to avoid running a red light and causing a traffic accident. Police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at major intersections. Drivers must follow the gestures of the traffic police.

[SanIsla]

I remember one time driving to work, I saw a car ahead at an intersection that reacted too slowly to the red light and had already crossed the stop line, ending up stopped right in the middle of the intersection. A traffic officer immediately came over and issued a ticket, explaining that this is called stopping halfway through running a red light. This behavior violates traffic regulations because even if you brake and stop without causing an accident, it still counts as running a red light. Essentially, when the light is red, vehicles must stop before the stop line and wait, not enter the intersection and then stop. Not only can this be caught by surveillance cameras resulting in fines, but it also increases the risk of rear-end or side collisions, especially during busy rush hour traffic. I think when driving, it’s really important to observe traffic signals early and develop the habit of slowing down in advance. Otherwise, the fines and insurance rate hikes will make you regret it. Safety first—don’t think stopping halfway means you’re in the clear!

[CamillaLynn]

I always say that driving is like life, where safety is the bottom line. Stopping halfway through running a red light is absolutely a violation, as it disrupts traffic order. The red light signal requires a complete stop before the line, and stopping halfway means you haven't complied with the rules, which will be considered as running the light. In reality, this could trigger a chain reaction of accidents—for example, the car behind might assume you're charging through and fail to avoid in time, or a vehicle from the side could collide. I recommend always checking road conditions and anticipating signal changes. If you do end up crossing the line, the safest approach is to leave the scene and then report it to the police. Don’t underestimate this—strict traffic penalties are in place for everyone’s safety. Sometimes, I think the simplest rules test our patience the most.

[RowanRose]

Back when I was just learning to drive, I almost stopped right in the middle of an intersection at a red light once. Luckily, I slammed on the brakes in time to stop right at the line. My friend sitting next to me laughed and said stopping halfway through on a red is basically asking for trouble. Strictly speaking, any movement past the stop line during a red light counts as running the light and is a violation; stopping in the intersection is even worse because it blocks traffic and could lead to fines. The lesson here is to stay fully focused while driving, anticipate signal timings, and avoid distractions like checking your phone or chatting. If it does happen, quickly turn on your hazard lights and call the police—but that's no excuse! Keep it simple, don't complicate things, and remember safe driving is what matters most.