Is running a red light photographed from the opposite side or the rear?

[LaGia]

Both. Electronic cameras capture three photos to determine a red light violation: a photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, including the red light and license plate number; a photo of the vehicle completely passing the stop line, including the red light and license plate number; and a photo of the vehicle continuing to move, comparing changes in the vehicle's position, including the red light and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms a red light violation. 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 prohibits passage, a green light permits passage, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Running a red light is a traffic violation when a vehicle passes through an intersection during a red light. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: First, observe the arrow light, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. If an arrow light is present, check it first, then the circular light, to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are permitted; but if the right-turn arrow is red, right turns are prohibited. Violations 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 red light violation. 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: 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 at high speed, it may proceed to avoid braking too late. 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 proceed, 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. 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 obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not penalized under the following circumstances: Extreme weather: If visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic light, resulting in blurry evidence, no penalty will be issued for mistakenly running a red light. Emergency situations: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, running multiple red lights may occur. After delivering the patient, provide hospital or patient documentation 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 officer direction: During peak hours, traffic police may direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers must follow their hand signals. 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 red light violation. Even if recorded, drivers can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police.

[LincolnLee]

I used to be quite curious about this when driving. Red light monitoring cameras are primarily installed to capture clear images of license plates and driving behaviors, so their positions at intersections vary—they might face oncoming traffic or be positioned to capture the rear. From what I've read, the system typically uses multiple angles to ensure violations are recorded. For instance, front-facing cameras can capture the moment a vehicle runs a red light, while rear-facing ones specifically photograph the rear license plate. This design ensures accurate vehicle identification and avoids misjudgments. In practice, most locations adjust camera angles based on road width and traffic flow. I recommend strictly adhering to traffic signals, not just to avoid fines but, more importantly, for safety. Some cameras can even record the entire process, including braking behavior, helping drivers develop better habits. Regularly reviewing your own dashcam footage can also provide learning opportunities to avoid rushing through intersections.