Will I Definitely Get Points Deducted for Running a Red Light in the Morning?
4 Answers
In general, as long as there are automatic monitoring devices installed at intersections to capture evidence, any traffic violations will be automatically photographed and recorded. Criteria for determining a red light violation: Electronic monitoring captures three photos as evidence for a red light violation: the front wheels crossing the stop line, the rear wheels crossing the stop line, and the front wheels crossing the opposite stop line. Only when all three photos are present will it be considered a red light violation. Point deduction standards for running a red light: 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 will result in a deduction of 6 points. Article 3, Section 1, Clause 8 states that driving a motor vehicle in violation of prohibition signs or markings will result in a deduction of 3 points. How to check for red light violations: 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 see the current status of your vehicle. If there are any violations, the specific details will be displayed. You can also check at the service halls of the traffic police departments in various districts and counties by using the touch query terminals. Alternatively, visit the official websites of the local public security traffic management bureaus, find the 'Vehicle Violation Query' section, enter your license plate number and engine number, and click 'Query' to check.
To be honest, there was a time during morning rush hour when I followed too closely and couldn’t brake in time—my front wheels crossed the line, but I stopped immediately. A traffic police friend told me this doesn’t count as running a red light. The electronic eye needs to capture three complete photos: front wheels crossing the line, rear wheels crossing the line, and the car completely passing through the intersection. If you stop before the rear wheels cross, it’s at most considered over-the-line parking, which deducts 2 points. Of course, in areas with strict enforcement, you might still get a ticket even if you didn’t fully cross. However, there’s one exception to note: if you cross the line while yielding to an ambulance or fire truck with sirens on, you can appeal to have the penalty revoked.
Last week, I helped a colleague deal with a similar traffic violation and found the penalty rules quite complicated. Running a red light usually results in 6 points deducted and a 200 yuan fine, but it varies by region: for example, in Shenzhen, first-time offenders might only face a fine without point deduction, while in Shanghai, minor intersections in alleyways might occasionally show leniency. I've checked the traffic laws, and there are four situations where penalties can be waived: accidentally running a red light due to obstruction by the vehicle in front, signal lights malfunctioning and turning red, crossing the line to yield to emergency vehicles, or conflicting with on-site police instructions. Blaming the morning sun glare for not seeing the signal light isn't a valid excuse, but if your dashcam captures strong glare, you might try appealing—it could work.
It depends on the specific situation. Last year during rainy weather, my uncle couldn't brake in time and slid past the crosswalk, only realizing he triggered the induction loop when he received a text notification. Nowadays, the new electronic traffic enforcement systems are highly sensitive – in some areas, they'll flash and take photos the moment your tires touch the line. However, I've heard there's manual review afterwards. If just your tires crossed but the vehicle body didn't fully enter the intersection, they might classify it as "failing to follow lane markings" with a fine of 100-200 yuan. If you do get flagged, don't panic – you can check the record within 10 days via the Traffic Management 12123 app. Most importantly, don't repeat the mistake, as accumulating 12 penalty points during your probationary period means retaking the driving test.
