Which intersections have red light cameras?

[LeilaFitz]

Generally, key intersections are equipped with red light cameras. If there are cameras installed, any vehicle running a red light, whether turning left or going straight, will be photographed and considered a traffic violation. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," vehicles must obey traffic signals, including traffic lights, signs, road markings, and the directions of traffic police. If both the left-turn and straight signals are green, going straight from a left-turn lane violates lane regulations. When the left-turn signal is red, running the red light will result in penalties. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: Check arrow signals first, then circular signals: There are two types of traffic signals: arrow signals and circular signals. If arrow signals are present, check them first before looking at the circular signals to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are allowed. However, if the right-turn arrow signal is red, right turns are prohibited, and violating this rule will be penalized as running a red light. Brake in time: When the light turns red, ensure the front of your vehicle does not cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross, but the rear wheels do not, the electronic camera will capture it, and you will be penalized for running the red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, do not proceed further; wait for the next green light. Check the green light countdown: When the green light starts flashing, if there is a countdown timer, use it to judge whether to proceed. If there is no timer and you are close to the intersection at high speed, you may proceed to avoid braking abruptly and running the red light. If you are far from the intersection and driving slowly, 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 allowed to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without separate signals for non-motorized vehicles or pedestrians, they must follow the motor vehicle signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct 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 caught by surveillance cameras while yielding, manual review will not record the violation. Even if recorded, you can appeal to the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic cameras cannot clearly see the traffic lights, photos of violations may be blurry. In such cases, accidental red-light running will not be penalized. Emergencies: When rushing a critically ill patient to the hospital, running multiple red lights may be unavoidable. After delivering the patient, obtain proof from the hospital or the person assisted and verify it with the traffic police to clear the violations. If possible, call an ambulance to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers must follow the officers' hand signals. The traffic police department clarifies that according to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law," vehicles that have crossed the stop line when the yellow light flashes may continue. If you accelerate to cross after the yellow light turns on, it will be considered running a red light if caught by cameras.

[Jamie]

After driving for ten years, I've noticed some patterns at red-light camera intersections. First, those at crossroads with horizontal poles mounting cameras, especially ones with flashlights, are most likely capturing violations. Traffic lights on main urban roads are almost all equipped, particularly near hospitals and schools where enforcement is strict. Large intersections at highway off-ramps also have a high probability of cameras. Some small intersections in old districts may appear unmonitored at night but flash white light during daytime. Nowadays navigation apps give warnings, and you should be extra cautious when seeing 'electronic police' signs. Once in an unfamiliar city, I rushed through when the green light countdown showed 2 seconds - the camera flashed twice and I later confirmed a ticket. So remember: better lose three minutes than risk one second.

[DelCaden]

I've been thinking about this for a long time and have summarized three types of intersections most likely to catch red-light runners: first, intersections near traffic police stations, which are almost always equipped with high-definition cameras; second, intersections of major roads with heavy traffic, where induction loops are embedded in the ground; and third, newly renovated intersections, where electronic poles with square white boxes are the most dangerous. Last time I read a report, it mentioned that sections with mobile speed cameras can also catch violations with temporarily installed equipment. Additionally, around 6 PM is a high-risk period because they aim to catch violations during the evening rush hour. I recommend everyone to glance at the roadside when crossing an intersection to see if there's a blue 'electronic police' sign or if there's a square box device hanging on the light pole.

[DeHarmony]

As someone who frequently drives long distances, I've noticed significant differences between cities. For example, intersections near tourist attractions are almost fully equipped with cameras, while coverage in downtown areas of provincial capitals exceeds 90%. Some industrial zones have flashing cameras during the day but turn them off at night. However, more cities are upgrading to smart traffic systems now, where new cameras capture violations without flashing. A useful tip is to observe the traffic light poles: intersections with solar panels or multiple dome/box cameras are the most dangerous. I learned this the hard way on the highway - two unexpected flashes at an intersection before the provincial border toll station resulted in a violation notice that arrived a month later.

[DeMalia]

Here's how I suggest you determine it: First, check if there's a black square device on the traffic light pole—that's the automatic capture host. Second, look for cut marks on the road surface before the lane lines, indicating buried induction coils. Third, observe if there's any flashing in the adjacent lane; frequent flashes during the same time period likely mean it's capturing violations. Fourth, check the local traffic police website for a list of publicly announced devices. For example, in my area, all intersections on Industrial South Road are monitored, but old-town alley entrances usually don't have them. Pay special attention to those with cartoon police signs near school zones—they're the strictest about capturing red-light runners in student safety zones. Don't believe those online rumors about judging by traffic light height; they're unreliable.

[OLeila]

I think there are mainly three scenarios: first, intersections clearly marked with yellow signs indicating 'electronic surveillance'—these are 100% monitored; second, newly built large intersections with six or more lanes, which come standard with intelligent violation capture systems; third, accident-prone road sections, especially sharp turns connected to traffic lights. Last month, my colleague got caught in a suburban area, thinking there were no cameras and running a yellow light, only to find out they had newly installed mobile capture devices. Nowadays, some cameras are disguised as streetlights—small round holes on the poles are actually lenses. Remember, if you see a blue-and-white equipment box with numbers at an intersection, you’re pretty much guaranteed to be caught.