What are the penalties for running a red light while driving?

[IsabelaMarie]

According to Article 2, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the "Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations," driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal regulations results in a 6-point penalty. 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. According to 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 do so in accordance with traffic signals, traffic signs, road markings, or the direction of traffic police. The following points can help 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 cannot 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 the vehicle cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross and the rear wheels follow, electronic cameras will capture it, resulting in a penalty for running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the signal turns red, passage through the intersection is prohibited; wait for the green light before proceeding. Check the green light countdown to decide whether to proceed: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, use it to judge; 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 stop and 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 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 hinder 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 crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle signal indications. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not hinder the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to special vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, and other special vehicles. If captured by surveillance cameras while yielding to special vehicles, manual review will not record the act of running a red light. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights. 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 limit. After delivering the patient, provide proof from the hospital or the person assisted to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation record can be cleared. If possible, calling an ambulance is preferable 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 gestures of the traffic police.