Why is running a red light at dawn considered okay?
2 Answers
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.
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.
