Is Running a Red Light Photographed from the Front or the Back?

[Tyler]

Both. Electronic cameras capture three photos to determine a violation: a photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, showing a red light and the license plate; a photo of the vehicle completely past the stop line, showing a red light and the license plate; and a photo of the vehicle continuing to move, comparing changes in position, also showing a red light and the license plate. 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 means stop, a green light means go, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Driving through an intersection during a red light constitutes a traffic violation. Here are ways to avoid running a red light: Check arrow signals first, then circular signals: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow signals and circular signals. When arrow signals are present, check them first, then the circular signals to avoid violations. Note: At a circular red light, right turns are allowed unless a red arrow prohibits it. Violating this rule will result in a red-light penalty. Brake in time: When the light turns red, ensure your vehicle does not cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross, but the rear wheels do not, the camera will capture it as a violation. If the front wheels have just crossed 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. If there’s no countdown and you’re close to the intersection at high speed, proceed to avoid sudden braking. If you’re far or slow, stop immediately. Article 38 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China" states: Green light: Vehicles may proceed, but turning vehicles must not impede pedestrians or straight-moving traffic. Yellow light: Vehicles already past the stop line may continue. Red light: Vehicles must stop. At intersections without pedestrian or non-motorized signals, pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles must follow motor vehicle signals. Red light: Right turns are allowed if they do not impede pedestrians or other traffic. Exceptions when running a red light is not penalized: Extreme weather: If visibility is too low for electronic cameras to clearly capture the signal, violations due to unclear evidence will not be penalized. Emergencies: Transporting a critically ill patient may involve unavoidable red-light violations. Provide hospital or patient documentation to traffic police for verification and penalty removal. If possible, call an ambulance to avoid accidents. Police direction: During peak hours, follow traffic officers’ hand signals at major intersections. Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances or fire trucks may trigger cameras, but manual review will exclude such violations. If recorded, apply for reconsideration with traffic authorities.