Will I be penalized if I stop in the middle of the road after running half a red light?

[McMadelyn]

If you run half a red light and stop in the middle of the road, you may be fined for running a red light and receive 6 penalty points. Here are the relevant details: Criteria: Running a red light requires three photos to be taken: one inside the red light line, one crossing the line under the red light, and one continuing to drive after crossing the line under the red light. If you run half a red light and stop in the middle of the road, all three photos have been captured, which can be counted as running a red light. Additional Information: Only the front wheels crossing the stop line does not count as running a red light. If both front and rear wheels cross the stop line but do not move further, it is not considered running a red light, but it is considered illegal parking, resulting in 2 penalty points. If you cross the line and then reverse back, you will be warned and fined, so it is better to stop in the middle of the road than to reverse. If the vehicle just barely crosses the stop line during a red light and stops immediately, this will not be penalized as running a red light. However, if there is obvious movement after crossing the line, you will be penalized. The three photos taken by the electronic eye for running a red light are: the vehicle crossing the stop line, followed by two photos of the vehicle moving to the middle of the intersection and reaching the opposite side of the intersection. Only when all three photos are complete will it be considered running a red light, which results in 6 penalty points under the new regulations.

[MacPaislee]

Just heard a friend talking about this the other day! After driving for ten years, I've been in this awkward situation too. According to the rules, as long as the front of your car hasn't crossed the line when the light turns red, it's not considered running a red light. But if your entire car has already rushed into the middle of the road and the camera captures three consecutive moving photos, you'll be penalized for the violation. It really depends on your car's position—stopping with your wheels on the crosswalk might be fine, but if the front of your car crosses the opposite stop line, you'll definitely lose points. Once during heavy rain when I couldn't see the lines clearly, I stopped right in the middle of the intersection and later received a warning text without any points deducted. However, never reverse your car! That could get you a second violation for backing up. My advice is to wait for the green light where you are—it's always safer than forcing your way through. And remember, slow down when you see a yellow light; don't wait until it turns red to hit the brakes.

[VanElizabeth]

Oh, I know this well! Driving instructors always emphasize: it's dangerous if your wheels cross the stop line after the red light turns on. Nowadays, intelligent capture systems take three photos to determine if you've run a red light. If you're stuck in the middle of the intersection, it depends on how many photos were taken—usually just the first one showing your wheels over the line results in a warning. But be careful! If your parked position blocks pedestrians or cross traffic, traffic police on-site can issue a 200-yuan fine directly. My neighbor once got fined for stopping in front of a bus. Stopping in the intersection also increases the risk of rear-end collisions—always turn on your hazard lights. If you're truly stuck, don’t panic; move slowly to a safe spot once it's clear. Next time, if the green light has only two seconds left, just wait for the next cycle.

[KingstonMarie]

It depends. The new traffic rules clearly state that running a red light is only counted when the entire vehicle crosses the stop line, so being stuck in the middle of the road might not result in a penalty. However, note two things: first, it varies by location—strict cities like Beijing and Shanghai will capture even a wheel over the line; second, your stopping position must not obstruct cross-traffic with a green light. Once, I was in a hurry taking my kid to an exam and stopped immediately after my front wheels crossed the line. Later, I checked 12123 and indeed had no violation record. Still, I’d advise slowing down early and waiting an extra cycle if needed. If you’re stuck in the middle, turn on your hazard lights and avoid steering—moving again is riskier. Decide when the yellow flashes; don’t wait for red!