What are the penalties for running a red light?
2 Answers
According to Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2 of the 'Points System for Road Traffic Violations,' driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal regulations results in a deduction of 6 points. Running a red light refers to the act of a motor vehicle violating the prohibition of passage during the red light phase at a signal-controlled intersection or road section, crossing the stop line, and continuing to drive. As per Article 26 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law': 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. Article 44 states: Motor vehicles passing through intersections must comply with traffic signals, signs, markings, or the directions of traffic police. Based on the following points, you can avoid running a red light: First look at the arrow light, 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, first observe the arrow light and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, you may turn right; when encountering an arrow signal light with a red right-turn arrow, you must not turn right, otherwise, it will be penalized as running a red light. Brake in time: When the red light turns on, do not let the front of your vehicle cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross, and the rear wheels follow, electronic cameras will capture it, and it will be penalized as running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the signal turns red, do not proceed through the intersection; wait for the green light before continuing. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light is flashing, if there is a countdown, judge based on the remaining time; if there is no countdown, and the vehicle is close to the intersection with high speed, you 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, 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 regarding 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, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian signal lights, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians must 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 in the following situations: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles. If caught on camera while yielding, manual review will not record the act as running a red light. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights. Blurred evidence photos may result in no penalty for mistakenly running a red light. Emergency situations: Transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital may involve running multiple red lights, quickly exhausting the 12-point limit. After delivering the patient, provide hospital or patient documentation to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violations can be expunged. If possible, calling an ambulance is advisable to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers must follow the hand signals of the traffic police.
When I first started driving, I also made stupid mistakes and got caught running a red light once. The penalties are very strict now—a 200-yuan fine and 6 points deducted. Don’t underestimate those points; you only get 12 points a year, and if you lose them all, you’ll have to retake the driving test, which is a huge hassle. The safety risks are even greater—I’ve seen rear-end accidents caused by running red lights that sent people to the hospital. Those few seconds at a red light aren’t worth risking. If an accident happens, the repair and compensation costs are terrifying, and even a yearly insurance premium increase of several hundred yuan won’t cover it. Driving honestly and following the rules is the most cost-effective and worry-free approach. Develop good habits—surveillance cameras are everywhere, and you can’t avoid them. Traffic laws exist to protect all of us and ensure we get home safely.
