What are the three conditions for running a red light?
2 Answers
Determined by capturing three photos with 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; a photo of the vehicle continuing to move, comparing to see if the vehicle's position has changed, including the traffic light showing red and the license plate number. Capturing these three photos can determine 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 pass, 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 when the light is red, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Six situations involving running a red light: Stopping immediately after crossing the line at a red light (when the light turns red, 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 when the light is red but stops immediately, this act of running a red light will not be penalized. However, if there is obvious movement after crossing the line, it will be penalized. The three photos captured by the electronic eye 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 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 light is red, but the on-duty traffic officer signals to proceed): When there is a conflict between the signal light and the traffic officer's gesture, motor vehicle drivers must obey the on-site command of the traffic officer. If running a red light occurs due to the traffic officer's on-site command, the driver can obtain a diversion certificate from the local traffic police station to avoid penalties. If the party disagrees with 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 entire vehicle crosses the stop line and does not continue to move, this is not considered running a red light. However, this situation constitutes crossing the stop line and stopping, which, according to Article 4, Item 5 of the new "Points for Road Traffic Safety Violations," results in a 1-point deduction for not driving or stopping as required at an intersection. Reversing after crossing the stop line (attempting to avoid penalties by reversing after crossing the stop line at a red light): Motor vehicles are not allowed to reverse at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp turns, steep slopes, or tunnels. If reversing is done in violation, a warning or fine may be imposed. Accidentally running a red light behind a large vehicle (due to the large vehicle blocking the view and 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 motor vehicle is photographed following a large vehicle, it is because they rushed through the intersection when the signal changed. This behavior will be penalized as running a red light. Passing through an intersection during a yellow light (passing through the intersection when the signal turns yellow): The traffic police department states 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 is flashing may continue to pass. If the yellow light has already turned red and the vehicle continues to rush through, it will be considered running a red light if photographed.
I just started learning to drive, and my instructor always emphasizes the three critical conditions for running a red light: First, it's only considered a violation if the front of your car has already crossed the stop line the moment the red light turns on; second, the entire vehicle must complete crossing the intersection during the red light period; and third, there must be solid evidence, such as surveillance footage or witnesses, proving that it wasn’t a mistake but intentional negligence. I think this is quite important because, as a beginner, I often worry about unstable speed control and might make mistakes at intersections when nervous. When driving, I always slow down in advance and observe traffic light changes, especially in rainy or foggy weather when visibility is poor—safety comes first. I remember one time I almost rushed through on a yellow light, but fortunately, I braked in time, avoiding a ticket and a potential accident. Such rules really help us develop good habits and reduce traffic accident rates, benefiting everyone.
