What to Do If You Run a Red Light?
2 Answers
If you have run a red light and received a penalty notice, you can handle it through the online Traffic Management 12123 app (V2.8.1B437 for iOS 15 and above or V2.8.1B274 for Android 12 and above). Taking an Android phone as an example, open the Traffic Management 12123 app, log in, and you can view recent violation records on the homepage. Follow the system prompts to process the penalty. You can also visit an offline traffic management office for manual inquiry and processing. According to Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2 of the "Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations," driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal regulations will result 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. 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 pass, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Article 44: Motor vehicles passing through intersections must comply with traffic signals, traffic signs, road markings, or the direction of traffic police. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: Check the Arrow Light First, Then the Round Light: There are two types of traffic lights: arrow traffic lights and round traffic lights. If arrow lights are present, check them first before looking at the round light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a round red light, you can turn right. However, if the right-turn arrow is red, you must not turn right; otherwise, you will be penalized for running a red light. Brake in Time: When the red light turns on, ensure your 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, do not proceed; wait for the green light. Check the Green Light Countdown Before Proceeding: If the green light is flashing and there is a countdown, judge accordingly. If there is no countdown, and you are close to the intersection with high speed, you may proceed to avoid running the red light due to untimely braking. If your speed is low and you are far from the intersection, brake immediately to avoid running the red light. Article 38 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to pass, 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 pass. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from passing. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians must follow the motor vehicle signal indications. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may pass if they do not obstruct 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 violation will not be recorded during manual review. Even if recorded, you 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. The evidence photos may be blurry, and no penalty will be imposed for mistakenly running a red light. Emergency Situations: Transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital may involve running multiple red lights, far exceeding the 12-point limit. After delivering the patient, provide proof from the hospital or the rescued individual to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violations will be cleared. If possible, call an ambulance 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.
Running a red light is an extremely dangerous behavior. If it does happen, the first thing is not to panic, immediately stop the car in a safe location, and avoid slamming on the brakes to prevent rear-end collisions. I recall when I was just learning to drive, I once ran a red light due to distraction and was fined 200 yuan plus 6 penalty points, which hurt both my wallet and my heart. After stopping, check the surroundings and ensure there are no conflicts before moving again. Then, be prepared to face possible fines or traffic police handling—don’t evade responsibility. Afterward, deeply reflect on why you ran the light—was it rushing for time or lack of observation? Develop the habit of slowing down in advance and watching for signal changes while driving; safety is the top priority. Regretting after an accident is too late; it’s better to be a few minutes late than to take risks. Now, I never dare to do it again, reminding myself to follow the rules every time I hit the road.
