Electronic cameras capture three photos to determine a red light 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, also including the red light signal and license plate number. The third photo shows the vehicle continuing to move, mainly by comparing the position change from the second photo, again including the red light signal and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms a red light violation. 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 prohibits passage, a green light permits it, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Driving through an intersection during a red light constitutes a traffic violation. 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 signals and circular signals. When an arrow signal is present, drivers should observe the arrow light first and then the circular light to avoid violations. Note: A circular red light allows right turns unless prohibited by signage. However, if the right-turn arrow is red, turning right is prohibited and will be penalized as a red light violation. Brake in time: 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 as a violation. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, wait for the next green light before proceeding. Check the green light countdown: If the green light is flashing with a countdown, use it to judge whether to proceed. Without a countdown, if the vehicle is close to the intersection and moving quickly, it may pass to avoid a last-minute stop. If the vehicle is slow or far from the intersection, brake immediately to prevent a violation. 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 obstruct pedestrians or straight-moving traffic. 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 separate pedestrian or non-motorized traffic signals, pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles must follow the motor vehicle signal. During a red light, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not penalized in the following situations: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles may result in a captured violation, but manual review will exclude it from records. If recorded, drivers can appeal to the traffic police. Extreme weather: If visibility is too low for even electronic cameras to clearly capture the traffic light, violations due to mistaken red light running will not be penalized. Emergency situations: Transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital may involve multiple red light violations. After delivering the patient, the driver can provide hospital or patient documentation to the traffic police for verification and violation removal. If possible, calling an ambulance is recommended to avoid accidents. Police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may manually direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers must follow their gestures. According to Article 26 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law," vehicles that have crossed the stop line during a flashing yellow light may continue. However, if a driver speeds through a yellow light, it may still be considered a red light violation if captured.
