What is Running a Red Light?
2 Answers
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. This is determined by capturing three photos via electronic cameras: a photo of the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, including the traffic light showing red and the license plate number; a photo of the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, including the traffic light showing red and the license plate number; and a photo showing the vehicle continuing to move, with the traffic light showing red and the license plate number. If these three photos are captured, the vehicle can be determined to have run a red light. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," the act of running a red light is clearly defined. 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. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. When arrow lights are present, drivers should first observe the arrow light and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are permitted. However, if the right-turn arrow is red, right turns are prohibited, and violating this will be penalized as running a red light. Brake in time: When the red light turns on, ensure the front of the vehicle does not cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross, and the rear wheels follow, the electronic camera will capture it, resulting in a penalty for running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, the vehicle must wait for the green light before proceeding. Check the countdown of the green light before proceeding: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, drivers can judge accordingly. If there is no countdown, and the vehicle is close to the intersection with sufficient speed, it 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 the following for motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle traffic signals: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not impede 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 crosswalk signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle traffic signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not impede the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If captured by surveillance cameras while yielding, the act of running a red light will not be recorded during manual review. Even if recorded, drivers can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is extremely low, and even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights. Photos of violations may be blurry, and accidental red-light running will not be penalized. Emergencies: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, multiple red lights may be run. In such cases, after delivering the patient, the driver can provide proof from the hospital or the rescued individual to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records can be cleared. If possible, calling an ambulance is recommended to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers should follow the gestures of the traffic police.
I remember being particularly afraid of running a red light the first time I drove on the road. To put it bluntly, it means driving past the stop line and continuing forward when the traffic light turns red at an intersection. Last year, a car in our neighborhood tried to rush through a yellow light, but the front wheels had just crossed the line when the light turned red, and it was immediately caught by the traffic camera—resulting in a 6-point deduction and a 200-yuan fine. The most dangerous aspect of this behavior is that the cross-traffic lanes have already started moving, and drivers on both sides assume the other will yield, leading to a sudden "bang" when they collide. I always remind myself to start slowing down 100 meters before an intersection—better to wait out an extra red light than take the risk. After all, safety is the top priority, and no one wants to gamble their life for a few seconds.
