Will every red light violation result in penalty points?
2 Answers
Determining a red light violation requires three photos: the first shows the vehicle's front crossing the stop line during a red light, the second shows the vehicle's rear crossing the stop line during a red light, and the third shows the vehicle passing through the intersection during a red light. Penalties for running a red light: Running a red light is a common traffic violation committed by drivers, resulting in a 6-point deduction and a fine. Modern electronic enforcement systems capture red light violations using ground-based magnetic induction loops. When the vehicle's front wheels cross the stop line and press the induction loop, the first photo is taken. When the rear wheels cross the stop line and press the loop, the second photo is captured. The third photo is taken when the vehicle reaches the opposite intersection and presses the loop. Appeal process for wrongful red light violations: If the violation occurred due to being rear-ended, the driver can provide a traffic accident handling certificate issued by the traffic police. However, the violation time on the certificate must match the time recorded by the electronic enforcement system to prove that the red light violation was not intentional.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and in my younger days, I had moments of complacency, thinking that running a red light at an intersection without cameras might not result in penalty points. Indeed, not every red-light violation leads to points being deducted—if there are no police on-site or the cameras aren't operational, you might escape a fine. However, the risk is extremely high. If caught, the standard penalty is 6 points and a 200 yuan fine. I’ve personally seen a friend lose their license over this and nearly get into an accident. Electronic surveillance at urban intersections is becoming increasingly advanced, while rural areas may be more lenient, but traffic rules universally emphasize safety first. Now, when educating new drivers, I always say it’s better to stop for three minutes than to rush for one second—losing points is minor, but life is what truly matters.
