Is Running a Red Light Captured or Definitely Photographed?

[AmeliaDella]

Running a red light is definitely photographed. At intersections with traffic signals, specialized cameras are installed to capture vehicles running red lights. The determination is made by capturing three photos with electronic cameras: the first photo shows the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, including the red light and license plate number; the second photo shows the vehicle completely past the stop line, including the red light and license plate number; the third photo shows the vehicle continuing to move, primarily by comparing the vehicle's position in the second photo, including the red light 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 indicates prohibition of 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 tips to avoid running a red light: Check arrow lights first, then circular lights: There are two types of traffic indicators: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. When arrow lights are present, check them first, then the circular lights to avoid running a red light. Note: At a circular red light, right turns are permitted; at an arrow red light, if the right-turn arrow is red, right turns are prohibited, and violations will be penalized as running a red light. Brake promptly: When the light turns red, 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; wait for the green light. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: If the green light is flashing and a countdown is displayed, use it to judge whether to proceed. If there is no countdown and the vehicle is close to the intersection at high speed, it may proceed to avoid running a red light due to delayed braking. If the vehicle is slow and 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 proceed, but turning vehicles must not impede 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-motorized vehicle or pedestrian signals, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians must follow the motor vehicle signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not impede the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not penalized 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 violation. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police. Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, the evidence photos may be blurry, and no penalty will be issued for mistakenly running a red light. Emergencies: Transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital may involve running multiple red lights, quickly exhausting the 12-point penalty limit. After delivering the patient, provide hospital or patient documentation to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violations 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 must follow their hand signals. 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. If the yellow light is already on and the vehicle speeds through, it will be penalized as running a red light.

[StDelaney]

I'm quite interested in vehicle monitoring equipment. As for running red light captures, it depends on whether the intersection has installed those specialized camera systems—it's not a guaranteed capture everywhere. Most major city arterials are equipped with inductive and radar-based devices that activate the photo function only when a vehicle runs through after the light turns red; places with no traffic or weak signals might not get captured. Some outdated cameras are also prone to weather interference, with recognition rates dropping in rain or fog. I advise fellow drivers not to take chances—running a red light risks not just fines and points but, more critically, could cause severe accidents, harming both others and yourself. Checking your car's braking system is also key to prevention, ensuring you can stop in emergencies to avoid impulsive actions. Ultimately, safe driving is the golden rule—don't obsess over whether you'll get caught.