Is Running a Red Light While Turning Left Captured by Cameras?

[MadelynAnn]

Running a red light while turning left is indeed captured by cameras. Whether it's turning left or going straight through a red light, both are illegal acts, and if there are cameras, they will be recorded. According to the relevant provisions of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," vehicles must obey traffic signals, including traffic lights, traffic signs, road markings, and the directions of traffic police. If both the left-turn and straight-through signals are green, going straight from a left-turn lane violates the prescribed lane rules. When the left-turn signal is red, running the red light will be penalized. Definition of Running a Red Light While Turning Left: Running a red light is determined based on the vehicle's stop line. If the vehicle crosses the line when the light is red, it is illegal. The camera primarily records the vehicle's movement when the light is red, focusing on significant positional changes. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red and the vehicle stops immediately, the traffic police will not impose a penalty. However, if the vehicle continues to move completely after crossing the line, it is considered illegal and will be penalized. In other words, if the vehicle completes crossing the line (pressing the line) when the light is red, continues to move, fully crosses the line, and enters the intersection while the light is red, it is a violation. Six Scenarios of Running a Red Light: Stopping Immediately After Crossing the Line at a Red Light (When the light turns red, the vehicle fails to stop in time, and the front crosses the stop line): If the vehicle has just crossed the stop line when the light is red but stops immediately, this is not penalized as running a red light. However, if there is noticeable movement after crossing the line, it will be penalized. The electronic camera captures three photos to determine running a red light: 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 running a red light, resulting in a 2-point deduction under the new regulations. Running a Red Light Under Traffic Police Direction (The signal is red, but the traffic officer signals to proceed): When there is a conflict between the traffic signal and the traffic officer's gesture, the driver must obey the officer's on-site command. If running a red light occurs due to the officer's direction, the driver can obtain a diversion certificate from the local traffic police department to avoid penalties. If the party disagrees with the penalty, they can appeal through administrative reconsideration or administrative litigation. Stopping After Fully Crossing the Stop Line at a Red Light (Failing to brake in time, causing the entire vehicle to cross the stop line): If the vehicle stops completely after crossing the stop line and does not move further, it is not considered running a red light. However, this is classified as stopping beyond the line. According to Article 4, Clause 5 of the "Points System for Road Traffic Violations," driving or stopping at an intersection not in accordance with the rules results in a 2-point deduction. Reversing After Stopping Beyond the Line (Attempting to avoid penalties by reversing after stopping beyond the line at a red light): Motor vehicles must not reverse at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp turns, steep slopes, or tunnels. If reversing is performed illegally, a warning or fine may be imposed. Accidentally Running a Red Light Behind a Large Vehicle (Due to the large vehicle blocking the view, the driver follows it through the intersection): Drivers must maintain sufficient visibility to see the traffic signals ahead and ensure a safe braking distance. Generally, if a vehicle is photographed behind a large vehicle, it is due to rushing through the intersection. This behavior will be penalized as running a red light. Passing Through the Intersection During a Yellow Light (Crossing the intersection when the signal turns yellow): The traffic police department states that according to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," vehicles that have already crossed the stop line when the yellow light flashes may continue to proceed. If the driver accelerates through the intersection when the yellow light is already on, being photographed under such circumstances will also be considered running a red light.