Running a red light is captured from the rear. Electronic cameras take three photos to determine the violation. 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 showing the red light signal and license plate number. The third photo provides evidence of the vehicle continuing to move, primarily by comparing the position change from the second photo, again including the red light signal and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms the vehicle ran a red light. Article 26 of the Road Traffic Safety Law clearly stipulates the act of running a red light. 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. Running a red light is a traffic violation where a vehicle proceeds through an intersection against the red signal. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow signals and circular signals. When arrow signals are present, drivers should first observe the arrow light and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are permitted. However, if the right-turn arrow is red, right turns are prohibited, and violating this rule will be penalized as running a red light. Brake in time: When a red light appears, 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 the violation, resulting in a penalty for running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, the vehicle must wait for the green light before proceeding. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, drivers can judge accordingly. If there is no countdown, vehicles close to the intersection and moving at a higher speed 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, immediate braking is necessary to avoid running the red light. Article 38 of the Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China states: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not hinder the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motorized vehicle or pedestrian signals, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle signal indications. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not hinder the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered a violation under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If captured by surveillance cameras while yielding, the violation will not be recorded during manual review. Even if recorded, drivers can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is extremely low, making it difficult for electronic police to clearly see the traffic lights, the evidence of violation may be blurred. In such cases, mistakenly running a red light will not be penalized. Emergency situations: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, running multiple red lights may occur. After delivering the patient, the driver can provide hospital or patient documentation to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records will be cleared. If possible, calling an ambulance is recommended to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers should follow the gestures of the traffic police. The traffic police department clarifies that according to the Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line when the yellow light flashes may continue to proceed. If a driver accelerates through the intersection after the yellow light has turned on, it will still be considered running a red light if captured.
