Under What Circumstances Is It Considered Running a Red Light?

[DelLola]

Determination is made through three photos captured by electronic cameras: a photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, 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 if the vehicle's position has changed, including the traffic light showing red and the license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms the vehicle ran 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 an intersection during a red light, 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 red light turns on, the vehicle cannot stop in time, and the front of the vehicle crosses the stop line): If the vehicle only just crosses the stop line during a red light but stops immediately, this act of running a red light will not be penalized. However, if there is significant 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 it be deemed as running a red light. Running a red light under police direction (the signal is red, but the traffic officer signals to proceed): When there is a conflict between the traffic signal and the officer's gesture, drivers must obey the officer's on-site command. 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 disputes the penalty, they can appeal through administrative reconsideration or administrative litigation. Stopping after the entire vehicle crosses the line at a red light (failing to brake in time, causing the entire vehicle to cross the stop line): If the vehicle stops after completely crossing the stop line without further movement, it is not considered running a red light but is classified as stopping beyond the line. Reversing after stopping beyond the line (attempting to avoid penalties by reversing after stopping beyond the line at a red light): Vehicles are prohibited from reversing at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp turns, steep slopes, or tunnels. Violations may result in warnings or fines. Accidentally running a red light behind a large vehicle (due to obstructed view by the large vehicle ahead, following 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 following a large vehicle through an intersection, it is due to rushing through the signal. Such behavior will be penalized as running a red light. Passing through an intersection during a yellow light (crossing the intersection when the signal 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 flashes may continue to pass. If the yellow light is already on and the driver continues to rush through, it will be considered running a red light if captured.