Why is running a red light at dawn considered okay?

[LeJulianna]

Running a red light at dawn is still a violation, as any instance of running a red light constitutes a traffic offense. The criteria for determining a red-light violation involve the electronic eye capturing three photos: the front wheels crossing the stop line, the rear wheels crossing the stop line, and the front wheels passing the opposite stop line. Only when all three photos are present will it be recognized as running a red light. How to check for red-light violations: Common methods include the following: You can check for red-light violations through the "Traffic Management 12123" app. After opening the app, log in using your ID card, then find and click on the "Violation Handling" option. Under "Violation Handling," you can view the current status of your vehicle. If there are any violations, the specific details will be displayed. Alternatively, you can visit the service halls of traffic police branches in various districts and counties to check using touch-screen terminals. Another method is to log in to the external service websites of the Public Security Traffic Management Bureau of each city: locate the "Vehicle Violation Inquiry" section, enter your license plate number and vehicle engine number, and click "Query." 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 lights results in a deduction of 6 points per offense. Article 3, Section 1, Clause 8 states that driving a motor vehicle in violation of prohibition signs or no-entry markings results in a deduction of 3 points per offense.

[VonMadeline]

After finishing my night shift, the roads are so quiet. Driving in the early hours sometimes makes me feel like traffic lights are unnecessary, especially when there are no other cars around. Some people run red lights as if nothing will happen. But don’t follow their example—I once witnessed a car running a red light at 2 a.m., nearly hitting a jogger. Even when the roads seem empty, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Traffic lights are designed to protect everyone. Cameras are still operational on some roads at night, and police might be lying in wait. More importantly, forming bad habits can be dangerous during the day too—safety should always come first. Rules aren’t meant to cause inconvenience; they’re there to ensure everyone gets home safely. Nowadays, I strictly obey traffic signals, no matter how late it is, because lives are at stake.

[LeonardoDella]

Regarding traffic light systems, the early morning hours are not an unsupervised vacuum. Many core urban roads are equipped with 24/7 cameras or infrared sensors to capture red-light violations. Although traffic flow decreases and surveillance may be slightly relaxed, the risks are higher: fewer vehicles at night generally mean higher speeds, making any collision potentially severe. I recommend stopping and waiting at all times to ensure personal safety. Additionally, some modern sensor-based traffic lights adjust timing based on vehicle flow, and running a red light can disrupt this order. Following the rules helps avoid potential accidents and fines, and developing good habits brings greater peace of mind.

[JaylaDella]

Friends often talk about running red lights in the early morning as if it's no big deal. I've tried it once or twice myself, but the fear afterward is endless. Although the road was empty at the time, who knows if there are pedestrians or vehicles hidden in the dark? Rules are designed for unexpected situations—there's always a reason when the red light is on. From personal experience, the poor lighting in the early morning makes it hard to judge distances, and if an accident happens, rescue might take longer. Don’t risk saving a few seconds—obeying traffic lights is about taking responsibility for yourself. Safe driving starts with the details; don’t let complacency harm anyone.

[LeIsabelle]

No matter how quiet it is in the early morning, running a red light is unwise. I once drove my family on a night trip and emphasized the importance of stopping and waiting for the green light. Statistics show that although nighttime accidents are fewer, the fatality rate is higher due to more unstable road conditions. A red light is a warning signal, and ignoring it can easily trigger a chain reaction, such as other drivers not reacting in time. Camera systems may not operate around the clock, but manual monitoring or police patrols might catch you. Safety comes first, and developing good habits can protect the whole family. Life is precious, and it's worth the extra wait.