Is running a red light captured from the rear or the front?
3 Answers
Running a red light is captured from the rear. Three photos are taken by an electronic camera 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 shows the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, including the red light signal and license plate number; the third photo shows the vehicle continuing to move, mainly by comparing the change in the vehicle's position from the second photo, including the red light signal and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms the vehicle ran a red light. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," running a red light is clearly defined. 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 pass, 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 tips to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, then the circular light: There are two types of traffic lights: arrow lights and circular lights. When an arrow light is present, check the arrow light first and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are allowed; when encountering an arrow red light for right turns, right turns are prohibited, or it will be penalized as running a red light. Brake in time: When the 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, do not proceed through the intersection; 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; if there is no countdown, and the vehicle is close to the intersection with high speed, it may proceed to avoid running a red light due to late braking. If the speed is slow and the vehicle is far from the intersection, brake immediately to 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: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to pass, but turning vehicles must not obstruct straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to pass. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from passing. At intersections without non-motorized vehicle or pedestrian signals, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may pass if they do not obstruct 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, manual review will not record the act as running a red light. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is very low, and even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, the evidence photos may be blurry. 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, provide proof from the hospital or the person assisted to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records can 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 major intersections. Drivers should follow the traffic police's gestures. 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," vehicles that have already crossed the stop line when the yellow light flashes may continue to pass. If the yellow light is already on and the vehicle continues to rush through, it will be considered running a red light if captured.
In traffic camera system setups, running a red light typically captures the rear of the vehicle. The cameras are installed behind or to the side of the intersection, and when a vehicle crosses the stop line while the red light is on, it captures photos and video evidence of the rear license plate to accurately identify the vehicle. This avoids issues with lighting or angles, ensuring fair ticketing. The system may also include multiple photos showing the entire violation process. From a technical perspective, the design prioritizes rear capture because the taillights are easier to identify; occasionally, the front may also be monitored, but the primary focus is the rear. Drivers should slow down in advance to avoid unnecessary risks from rushing through yellow lights.
When I was a new driver, I always thought traffic cameras captured the front of the car, but personal experience proved they photograph the rear. Last time at an intersection, I hesitated and almost ran a red light but wasn't caught. Later, I learned the system locks onto rear license plates for identification. That nervous moment reminded me to develop the habit of stopping early. Sharing with you: don't accelerate when the light turns from green to red - safety comes first. Traffic cameras are designed to target the rear, helping you understand how to avoid tickets and potential collisions. Learning the rules can reduce road hazards.
