Is it the rear wheel or front wheel that determines running a red light?
2 Answers
Both are considered. Electronic cameras capture three photos to determine the violation: 1) A photo showing the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, including the red light signal and license plate number; 2) A photo showing the vehicle completely past the stop line, including the red light signal and license plate number; 3) A photo showing the vehicle continuing to move, with comparison proving positional change, including the red light signal and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms a red-light running violation. 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. Red means stop, green means go, and yellow serves as a warning. Passing through an intersection during a red light constitutes a traffic violation. Follow these guidelines to avoid running red lights: Check arrow signals first, then circular lights: There are currently two types of traffic signals: arrow traffic lights and circular indicator lights. When arrow signals are present, check them first before observing circular lights to prevent violations. Note: Right turns are permitted at circular red lights unless prohibited. However, when facing a red right-turn arrow signal, right turns are forbidden and will be penalized as red-light running. Brake promptly: When the light turns red, ensure your vehicle's front doesn't cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross but the rear wheels don't, the camera won't trigger a violation. If both wheels cross just as the light turns red, wait for the next green light before proceeding. Monitor green light countdown: When the green light flashes, check for a countdown timer if available. Without a timer, vehicles close to the intersection maintaining higher speed may proceed cautiously to avoid sudden braking. Vehicles farther away or moving slowly should stop immediately. Article 38 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of China specifies: • Green light: Permits vehicle movement, but turning vehicles must yield to straight-moving vehicles and pedestrians. • Yellow light: Vehicles already past the stop line may continue. • Red light: Prohibits vehicle movement. At intersections without separate pedestrian signals, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians should follow vehicle signals. • Right turns during red lights are permitted unless they obstruct other traffic or pedestrians. Exceptions when running red lights isn't penalized: Extreme weather: When visibility is too low for electronic enforcement cameras to clearly capture signals, blurry violation evidence won't result in penalties. Emergencies: Transporting emergency patients may involve multiple violations. Presenting hospital documentation or recipient testimony to traffic police can void these penalties. Calling an ambulance is recommended when possible to avoid accidents. Police direction: During peak hours at major intersections, follow officers' hand signals regardless of light signals. Yielding to emergency vehicles: When yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles, manually reviewed violations will be exempted. Recorded violations can be appealed at traffic authorities.
I've been driving for almost twenty years, and I always pay extra attention at traffic lights. How to judge running a red light by watching the wheels? Mainly focus on the position of the front wheels. The moment the red light turns on, if your front wheels have already crossed the stop line, it doesn't count as running a red light, and you can proceed safely. But if the front wheels are still behind the line, you must stop and not continue driving. The yellow light is also a critical point—it's a warning to slow down and stop, unless you really can't brake in time, then proceed slowly. I remember a case a few years ago where a driver rushed through a yellow light, and when the red light turned on, the rear wheels hadn't crossed yet, resulting in a ticket and a fine. The key is not to take risks, maintain a safe distance, and slow down in advance. Following the rules not only helps avoid fines and points but, more importantly, protects yourself and others. Develop good habits, always observe traffic signal changes, and never rush through.
