Under What Circumstances Is It Considered Running a Red Light?

[DeZane]

Determination is made based on three photos captured by electronic cameras: a photo of the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, including the traffic light showing red and the license plate number; a photo of the vehicle completely passing the stop line, including the traffic light showing red and the license plate number; and a photo showing the vehicle continuing to move, with a comparison to check for any change in the vehicle's position, including the traffic light showing red and the license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms that the vehicle has run a red light. 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 indicates prohibition of passage, a green light permits passage, and a yellow light serves as a warning. A red light is a traffic signal prohibiting passage, and if a vehicle passes through the intersection when the light is red, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Six scenarios of running a red light: Stopping immediately after crossing the line at a red light (when the light turns red, the vehicle cannot stop in time, and the front of the vehicle crosses the stop line): If the vehicle has just crossed the stop line when the light is red but stops immediately, this act of running a red light will not be penalized. However, if there is noticeable movement after crossing the line, penalties will apply. The three photos captured by electronic cameras for running a red light are: 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 the act be confirmed as running a red light. Running a red light under the direction of a traffic officer (the signal is red, but the officer indicates permission to proceed): When there is a conflict between the traffic signal and the officer's gesture, drivers must follow the officer's on-site instructions. If a driver runs a red light due to the officer's direction, they can obtain a diversion certificate from the local traffic police station to avoid penalties. If the driver disagrees with the penalty, they can appeal through administrative reconsideration or administrative litigation. Stopping with the entire vehicle over the line at a red light (failing to brake in time, causing the entire vehicle to cross the stop line): If the entire vehicle crosses the stop line but does not move further, this does not count as running a red light but is considered over-the-line parking. Reversing after over-the-line parking (attempting to avoid penalties by reversing after stopping over the line at a red light): Vehicles are not allowed to reverse at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, or tunnels. Violations may result in a warning or fine. Accidentally running a red light behind a large vehicle (due to obstructed view, following the large vehicle through the intersection): Drivers must maintain sufficient visibility to see the traffic signal ahead and ensure a safe braking distance. Generally, if a vehicle is photographed behind a large vehicle at an intersection, it is due to rushing through the signal. This behavior will be penalized as running a red light. Passing through the intersection at a yellow light (proceeding through the intersection when the light turns yellow): Traffic authorities state 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 is flashing may continue to proceed. If the yellow light is already on and the driver continues to rush through, this will also be considered running a red light if captured.