Is running a red light due to traffic signal malfunction considered a violation?

[ArthurFitz]

Running a red light due to traffic signal malfunction is not considered a violation. If the red light violation was indeed caused by objective reasons such as traffic signal malfunction, you can file an appeal for reconsideration. Criteria for determining a red light violation: Electronic monitoring devices capture three photos as evidence for determining a red light violation: the front wheels crossing the stop line, the rear wheels crossing the stop line, and the front wheels crossing the opposite stop line. Only when all three photos are present will it be considered a red light violation. How to avoid running a red light while driving: When there are arrow signals, follow the arrow lights; otherwise, follow the circular lights; When the red light is on, the front of the vehicle must not cross the stop line; When the yellow light is on, the front of the vehicle must not cross the stop line; When the green light just starts flashing, if you are close and moving fast, you should proceed, as you might not be able to stop in time and could cross the stop line; if you are far away, moving slowly, or the intersection is congested, you should stop; When driving in the city, develop the habit of looking for traffic lights whenever you see a crosswalk or stop line at an intersection.

[SadieLee]

I remember encountering this situation last year while driving—all the traffic lights at the intersection were out, and the entire junction was in chaos. At the time, I hesitated for a moment but eventually drove through slowly. Later, I specifically checked the traffic regulations, which clearly state that passing through a malfunctioning signal light while ensuring safety does not count as a violation. However, the key is being able to prove that the traffic lights were indeed broken. My car’s dashcam was running the whole time, capturing footage of all the lights being off. I recommend that in such special circumstances, first, slow down your speed; second, carefully observe surrounding vehicles and pedestrians; and third, it’s best to use hand signals to communicate with other drivers. After all, safety should always come first—don’t force your way through just because the lights are out.

[LillianaLee]

As a veteran long-distance driver with over a decade of experience, I'm all too familiar with this situation. A malfunctioning traffic light intersection is like a battlefield where no one yields to anyone. Let me share a few principles: If it's a temporary traffic light failure, remember that preserving evidence is crucial—use your phone to record video or rely on your dashcam; if traffic police are present, you must follow their on-site instructions; when all lights are out, treat it as an intersection without traffic signals, with turning vehicles yielding to those going straight and side roads yielding to main roads. Don't panic if you receive a ticket—take your video evidence to appeal, and it will likely be revoked. Remember, even if the lights are broken, right-of-way rules still apply, and cautious driving is always the safest approach.

[KaydenRose]

Coincidentally, I handled a similar case just a few days ago. The driver was ticketed at a malfunctioning traffic signal intersection and successfully appealed to have the ticket dismissed. According to Article 38 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law and Article 21 of Order No. 123, passing through an intersection with malfunctioning traffic signals while ensuring safety does not constitute a violation. However, remember that periodic flashing yellow lights do not count as a malfunction; all lights must be completely off for it to qualify. When filing an appeal, you need to provide a malfunction certificate from the traffic police department or complete video evidence you've taken yourself to prove that the signal was indeed abnormal when you passed through.

[GabriellaRose]

This is a topic frequently discussed in our car enthusiasts group. When traffic lights are out, the most important thing is to stay calm and never follow the car ahead to rush through. I once encountered this situation - first I stopped my car behind the stop line, turned on the hazard lights, and observed for half a minute to confirm all directional signals were completely off. While passing through slowly, I paid extra attention to vehicles from both sides, only to find a car from the left accelerating recklessly and nearly causing a collision. Such intersections are particularly prone to accidents, and even if it's not considered a violation, you could still be held liable. My suggestion is: when you notice signal abnormalities, confirm it's safe and pass through as quickly as possible - don't linger at the intersection.

[VanEleanor]

Last time I helped my cousin handle this type of traffic violation appeal, I learned a lot while organizing the materials. The key points are: you must prove that the traffic light was completely malfunctioning when passing through; ensure the driving footage includes images of traffic lights in all directions; the best time to appeal is within 15 days. When passing through a malfunctioning intersection, pay special attention to two points: yield priority to vehicles that already have the right of way; after passing, leave the intersection as soon as possible to avoid congestion. Even if it's not considered a violation, if an accident occurs at the intersection during the malfunction, the passing party may bear the main responsibility.