What are the criteria for determining running a red light?
2 Answers
It is determined by capturing three photos through electronic cameras. The first photo shows the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, including the red light signal and license plate number; the second photo shows the vehicle completely passing the stop line, including the red light signal and license plate number; the third photo shows the vehicle continuing to move, mainly by comparing the change in the vehicle's position from the second photo, including the red light signal and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms that the vehicle has run a red light. 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 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 is on, 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 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, it will be penalized. 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 available will it be considered running a red light, resulting in a 6-point deduction under the new regulations. Running a red light under the direction of a traffic officer (the signal is red, but the officer signals permission 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 command, they can request 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 has crossed 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 after completely crossing the stop line without further movement, it is not considered running a red light. However, this constitutes stopping beyond the line. According to Article 4, Item 5 of the "Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations," failing to drive or stop as required at an intersection 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): Vehicles are prohibited from reversing at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp turns, 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 from 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, vehicles caught behind large vehicles at intersections are penalized for rushing through the signal. Such behavior is penalized as running a red light. Passing through an intersection during a yellow light (proceeding through the intersection when the signal turns yellow): Traffic authorities state that the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulate that vehicles already crossing the stop line when the yellow light flashes may continue to proceed. If the yellow light is already on and the driver continues to rush through, it will be considered running a red light if captured.
I've been driving for over a decade, and judging whether you've run a red light is quite simple - if your car's front wheels cross the stop line at the intersection when the light is red, it counts as running a red light. This standard is pretty much the same nationwide, mainly depending on what the traffic camera captures at that moment. If you cross the line during the red light, the police will consider it a violation. I think many people run red lights because they're impatient, always trying to catch those few seconds of yellow light, and end up rushing through the red, which can easily lead to accidents. I remember when I used to drive trucks, I met a guy who crashed his car running a red light - he spent a fortune on repairs and got fined with points deducted. These rules are set for everyone's safety, otherwise traffic chaos would lead to many more accidents. Pay more attention to light changes while driving and slow down in advance to avoid running red lights.
