Is Running a Red Light Always Captured from Behind?
3 Answers
Running a red light is captured from behind. The determination is made by capturing three photos via electronic cameras: the first photo shows the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, including the red light signal and license plate number; the second photo captures the vehicle completely passing the stop line, also including the red light signal and license plate number; the third photo shows the vehicle continuing to move, primarily by comparing the vehicle's position in the second photo to confirm movement, again including the red light signal and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms the vehicle ran a red light. 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 prohibits passage, a green light permits passage, and a yellow light serves as a warning. A red light is a traffic signal prohibiting passage, and driving through an intersection during a red light constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Here are some ways to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. When arrow lights are present, checking the arrow light first and then the circular light can help avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are permitted; when encountering an arrow signal with a red right-turn arrow, right turns are prohibited, and doing so will be penalized as running a red light. Brake in time: When a red light turns on, ensure the front of the vehicle does not cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross, and the rear wheels follow, the electronic camera will capture it, resulting in a penalty for running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, passage through the intersection is prohibited, and you should wait for the green light. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, use it to judge whether to proceed; if there is no countdown, and the vehicle is close to the intersection with high speed, you may proceed to avoid running a red light due to delayed braking. If the speed is slow and the vehicle is far from the intersection, brake immediately to stop and avoid running a red light. Article 38 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states regarding motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle traffic signals: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle traffic signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If captured by surveillance cameras while yielding, manual review will not record the act as running a red light. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is extremely low, making it difficult even for electronic police to discern the traffic lights, the photos of the violation may be unclear. In such cases, mistakenly running a red light will not result in penalties. Emergency situations: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, running multiple red lights may be unavoidable. After delivering the patient, the driver can provide proof from the hospital or the rescued person to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records can be cleared. If possible, calling an ambulance is preferable to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Traffic police direction: During peak commuting hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers should follow the gestures of the traffic police. The traffic police department states that according to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," when the yellow light flashes at an intersection, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue. If the yellow light is already on and the driver proceeds to rush through, it will still be considered running a red light if captured.
I often encounter this issue when driving in the city - red light cameras don't necessarily only capture from behind. I remember getting caught once last year where the camera was positioned in front, aimed directly at the windshield, clearly showing me sitting in the driver's seat. Many urban intersections now have all-angle electronic monitoring systems that typically photograph from multiple directions - front, back, left, and right - to ensure they capture the license plate, driver's position, red light status, and vehicle location, creating irrefutable evidence. If they only shot from behind, critical information could be missed, like who was driving or whether the vehicle completely crossed the stop line. Having researched surveillance technology myself, modern systems with high-definition cameras and AI recognition are increasingly advanced at catching violations. So never think you can get away with it - running red lights is not only dangerous but carries heavy fines and potential demerit points. Safe driving is paramount; waiting a few seconds at a red light is far better than regretting it later. I advise all drivers to stay alert and pay close attention to intersection signals.
Talking about running red light cameras, I recalled a friend's experience at an intersection. The cameras don't shoot from a fixed position; in some places, they capture from the side, rear, or front simultaneously to ensure the entire violation process is recorded. These devices installed by traffic authorities aim for fair law enforcement and to avoid misjudgments. I've checked relevant information—they typically have three or four cameras working together: one captures the red light ahead, one captures the license plate, and another might capture the driver's cabin, making it impossible to block or argue. I'm extra cautious when driving because running red lights has a high accident rate, endangering not just myself but others too. Especially at night, despite poor lighting, the surveillance can still capture details. If you do violate the rules, it's best to cooperate with the handling to avoid escalating trouble.
