What are the three photo standards for determining a red light violation?
3 Answers
Four photos captured by electronic cameras are used to determine a red light violation: a photo of the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, showing the traffic light as red and the license plate number; a photo of the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, showing the traffic light as red and the license plate number; and a photo of the vehicle continuing to move, with a comparison to check if the vehicle's position has changed, showing the traffic light as red and the license plate number. If these three photos are captured, the vehicle is determined to have 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 during a red light, it constitutes a traffic violation of running a red light. Six scenarios of red light violations: 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 during a red light but stops immediately, this type of red light violation is not penalized. However, if there is noticeable movement after crossing the line, penalties will apply. 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 the act be deemed a red light violation, resulting in a 6-point deduction and a 200-yuan fine under Article 90 of the new "Road Traffic Safety Law." Running a red light under police direction (the signal is red, but the traffic officer signals permission to proceed): When there is a conflict between the traffic signal and the police officer's gesture, motor vehicle drivers must follow the officer's on-site instructions. If a red light violation occurs due to the officer's direction, 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 crosses the 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, this is not considered running a red light but rather a case of over-the-line parking. Reversing after over-the-line parking (attempting to avoid penalties by reversing after crossing the line at a red light): Motor vehicles are not allowed to reverse at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, or tunnels. Violations may result in a warning or fine. Accidentally running a red light behind a large vehicle (due to obstructed visibility caused by a 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. In most cases, vehicles caught behind large vehicles are penalized for rushing through the intersection. Such behavior is treated as running a red light. Passing through an intersection during a yellow light (crossing the intersection when the signal turns yellow): Traffic authorities state that Article 91 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulates that vehicles that have already crossed the stop line when the yellow light flashes may continue to pass. 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 fifteen years and I'm very familiar with the rules about cameras catching red light runners. Those three photos—the first one is when the light turns red and you haven't crossed the stop line yet but you dash out, with the front of your car clearly pressing against the line. The second photo is when your car reaches the middle of the intersection, the red light is still on, and this position is crucial because it proves you were indeed moving. The third photo is when you've already crossed to the other side of the road, and the red light hasn't turned green yet—this one shows the whole process is complete. If any one of these three photos is missing, it doesn't count as running a red light. Once, I rushed through a yellow light and almost got caught, but luckily I braked in time and stopped in the middle of the road, so I only received a warning text with two photos. Now, whenever I see a yellow light, I obediently stop—safety first, after all.
Those electronic eyes at intersections are very strict about capturing red light violations, requiring exactly three photos as evidence. The first shot is taken when the vehicle hasn't crossed the stop line but continues moving after the light turns red - this serves as the starting point, with the wheel position and red light clearly visible in frame. The second photo is usually taken at the center of the intersection, clearly showing the vehicle's movement trajectory and traffic signal status. The final shot captures the vehicle completely crossing the opposite stop line, proving the entire violation. I've seen cases where drivers slammed their brakes with just the front wheels over the line - since only one photo was captured, police didn't consider it a violation. That's why it's best to slow down when approaching yellow lights rather than putting yourself in danger.
