Is running a red light determined by the rear wheels or the front wheels?
4 Answers
Running a red light is generally determined by the rear wheels. Electronic cameras capture three photos to make the judgment: a photo of the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, including the red light signal and license plate number; a photo of the vehicle completely passing the stop line, including the red light signal and license plate number; and a photo showing the vehicle continuing to move, comparing whether the vehicle's position has changed, including the red light signal and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms the vehicle has run a red light. The act of 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 if a vehicle passes through an intersection during a red light, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: First, look at the arrow light, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. When arrow lights are present, 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; otherwise, 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 whether to proceed. 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 low 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 crossing signals, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle signal. 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 illegal under the following circumstances: Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, the evidence photos may be blurry. In such cases, accidental red-light running will not be penalized. 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 present proof from the hospital or the rescued individual 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. Police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers should follow the officers' hand signals. Yielding to special vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other special vehicles. If running a red light is captured by surveillance cameras while yielding, manual review will not record it as a violation. Even if recorded, drivers can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department.
Determining whether a vehicle runs a red light mainly depends on whether the entire vehicle crosses the stop line, but the most critical factor is the position of the rear wheels. With twenty years of driving experience, I’ve learned this deeply: when the red light turns on, if only the front wheels cross the line but most of the vehicle remains behind the stop line, it usually won’t be counted as running a red light. However, once the rear wheels completely cross the stop line, the system will judge it as a red-light violation. Electronic police cameras capture three key moments: the front wheels crossing the line, the rear wheels crossing the line, and the vehicle entering the opposite intersection. Many beginners often confuse this and tend to rush through when the light turns yellow, only to be penalized with six points for their rear wheels crossing the line. The safest practice is to slow down when the green light starts flashing, leaving a two-second margin for braking. If stopping in time is impossible, at least ensure the rear wheels don’t cross the line—otherwise, besides fines and points, the risk of being hit by cross-traffic increases.
As someone who frequently handles traffic cases, I emphasize that the criterion for running a red light is the rear wheels crossing the stop line. Road surveillance confirms this through two-wheel tracking: the front wheels triggering the first photo when they press the line, and the rear wheels crossing the line completing the evidence chain. Some believe quickly reversing can evade capture, but the surveillance system has already automatically recorded it. Last year, I encountered a case where a driver was fined at an intersection for rear wheels crossing the line, but because they stopped promptly without further movement, the penalty was waived upon appeal. I recommend maintaining a three-second safety distance when encountering a yellow light, and if the front wheels accidentally cross the line, stop immediately. Also, pay attention to special road conditions, such as unclear road markings during heavy rain, and it's best to brake early to avoid misjudgment.
Through studying traffic regulations, I found that the core criterion for running a red light is the position of the vehicle's rear wheels. If the rear wheels have not crossed the stop line when the red light turns on, even if the front wheels have passed, it does not count as a violation; only when the rear wheels cross the line will the electronic police record it. Once, while driving in the rain, my front wheels slid over the crosswalk, but the rear wheels stopped on the stop line, and I checked later to confirm no violation was recorded. For daily driving, it's advisable to anticipate traffic light cycles, especially at busy intersections—it's best to stop and wait at the end of the green light. Additionally, pay attention to the vehicle's length; when driving a pickup or SUV, leave more braking distance because the rear wheels are positioned further back compared to sedans.
