What Actions Constitute Running a Red Light?

[DelJoshua]

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 changes in the vehicle's position, including the traffic light showing red and the license plate number. Capturing these three photos can confirm 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 indicates permission to proceed, and a yellow light serves as a warning. A red light is a traffic signal prohibiting passage, and if a vehicle proceeds through an intersection when the light is red, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. The following points can help avoid running a red light: Observe the arrow light first, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of indicator lights: arrow traffic lights and circular indicator traffic lights. When arrow lights are present, drivers should first observe the arrow light and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are permitted; when encountering an arrow signal light with a red right-turn arrow, right turns are not allowed. Otherwise, it will be penalized as running a red light. Brake promptly: 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 penalty for running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, passage through the intersection is prohibited, and the vehicle should wait for the green light before proceeding. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, drivers can judge accordingly. If there is no countdown, and the vehicle is close to the intersection with high speed, it may proceed to avoid running a red light due to untimely braking. If the speed is slow and the vehicle is far from the intersection, it should 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 the following for motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle signal lights: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. When the red light is on, vehicle passage is prohibited. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle signal lights. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If a violation is captured by surveillance cameras due to yielding, manual review will not record the act of running a red light. Even if recorded, drivers can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is extremely low, making it difficult even for electronic police to discern the traffic lights clearly. Photos of the violation may be blurry, and accidental running of a red light will not be penalized by traffic police. Emergency situations: Transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital may involve running multiple red lights, quickly exhausting the 12-point penalty limit. After delivering the patient, the driver can provide proof from the hospital or the rescued individual to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records can be expunged. If possible, calling an ambulance is recommended to avoid traffic accidents caused by running red lights. Traffic police direction: During peak commuting hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers should follow the gestures of the traffic police.