Is stopping on the crosswalk when the red light is on considered a traffic violation?
3 Answers
Stopping on the crosswalk when the red light is on is not considered running a red light. Although crossing the stop line may trigger the electronic eye, it does not mean running a red light. Determining a red-light violation requires at least three pieces of photographic evidence: first, the vehicle has not left the stop line when the red light is on; second, the vehicle passes through the intersection while the red light is on; and third, the vehicle has crossed the line and continues to move forward when the red light is on. More related information is as follows: 1. Traffic lights are signals that direct traffic and generally 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. Traffic lights include: motor vehicle signals, non-motor vehicle signals, pedestrian crosswalk signals, directional indicator lights (arrow signals), lane signals, flashing warning signals, and railway crossing signals. 2. At intersections, red, yellow, and green traffic lights are hung on all sides, serving as silent traffic police. Traffic lights are internationally standardized signals. A red light is a stop signal, and a green light is a go signal. At intersections, vehicles from multiple directions converge here—some going straight, some turning—and the traffic lights determine who proceeds first. When the red light is on, going straight or turning left is prohibited, though right turns are allowed if they do not obstruct pedestrians or other vehicles. When the green light is on, vehicles may proceed straight or turn. When the yellow light is on, vehicles must stop at the intersection stop line or within the crosswalk if they cannot safely proceed; a flashing yellow light warns drivers to proceed with caution.
I usually drive very carefully, but once I didn't pay attention to my position while waiting at a red light, and my car's front end ended up directly on the crosswalk. As a result, I was caught by the camera, received a ticket, and had points deducted. This is indeed considered a traffic violation because crosswalks are designated areas for pedestrians to cross the road, and stopping on them can obstruct pedestrian passage, especially at busy intersections, which can easily lead to safety hazards. When I was learning to drive, my instructor emphasized estimating the stopping distance before a red light, slowing down in advance, and ensuring the vehicle stops one or two meters behind the line. Now, I've developed the habit of checking my mirrors more often to confirm my position and avoid similar troubles. If every driver paid attention to this, urban traffic would be much smoother. This experience taught me that safe driving isn't just about watching the signals but also paying attention to positional details.
From a safety perspective, I firmly believe that stopping on a pedestrian crossing is absolutely a violation. Infringement on pedestrians' right of way is far too common - like when elderly people or children get stuck mid-crossing because vehicles block the zebra crossing, significantly increasing accident risks. I once witnessed a collision that occurred precisely because a car stopped on the crossing, forcing pedestrians to detour dangerously. Traffic regulations design these rules specifically to protect vulnerable road users, so drivers must remain constantly vigilant. My recommendation: begin slowing down several seconds before the light turns red to properly position your vehicle without encroaching on the crosswalk. Developing this habit not only avoids fines but elevates overall road safety for everyone.
