Will I Get Points Deducted If I Run a Red Light and Stop on the Crosswalk?
4 Answers
If you stop on the crosswalk without continuing to drive, it is not considered running a red light but rather overstepping the stop line. According to Article 4, Item 5 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Violation Points Scoring Standards': driving or stopping at an intersection without following regulations will result in a 2-point deduction. The act of running a red light is clearly defined in the 'Road Traffic Safety Law.' Article 26 states that traffic signals consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition of passage, a green light permits passage, and a yellow light serves as a warning. A red light is a traffic signal prohibiting passage, and if a vehicle proceeds through an intersection during a red light, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Running a red light refers to the act where, when the vehicle is within the stop line and the signal ahead is red, the vehicle continues to move forward, with both front and rear wheels crossing the stop line. This is determined by capturing three photos via electronic cameras: A photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, showing the red light and license plate number. A photo of the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, showing the red light and license plate number. A photo of the vehicle continuing to move, comparing changes in the vehicle's position, showing the red light and license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms the act of running a red light. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If captured by surveillance cameras while yielding, manual review will not record the act of running a red light. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights. Photos of the violation may be blurry, and if you accidentally run a red light, the traffic police will not impose penalties. Emergency situations: If you transport a critically ill patient, you can provide proof from the hospital or the rescued person to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation record can be cleared. If possible, it is best to call an ambulance to avoid accidents caused by running a red light. Traffic police direction: During peak commuting hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at major intersections. Drivers must follow the hand signals of the traffic police.
Having driven for over a decade, I've encountered quite a few situations where I couldn't stop in time and ran red lights. Especially when crossing zebra crossings with heavy pedestrian traffic and high risks, traffic regulations are extremely strict. If you cross the stop line when the light turns red, even if you couldn't brake in time, the electronic eye will capture it, and you'll inevitably get penalized—usually 6 points deducted and a fine starting from 200 yuan. Safety first—if you lose control while crossing a zebra crossing, pull over immediately and check if there's an issue with your braking system. Make it a habit to check the duration of green lights in advance, maintain a safe distance, and slow down even more on downhill sections. Don't rush—one mistake could cost you points and affect your driving record for the whole year. Remember, a dashcam can help prove it was an accident, but it's best not to rely on luck to solve problems.
I'm the type of driver who's quite cautious, and brake issues have caused me trouble before. Last month during rainy and foggy weather, the road was slippery, and I almost failed to stop at a crosswalk with a red light, which gave me quite a scare. Running a red light definitely results in penalty points—it's a strict rule. No matter the reason, if you pass when the light is red, it's considered a violation. Crosswalk areas additionally emphasize pedestrian priority, with even harsher penalties for violations. After the incident, I checked and found my brake fluid was low. After getting it fixed, I felt much safer. Always check the weather and road conditions before driving—don't let negligence lead to penalty points. Besides fines, it can also affect your insurance. Develop a habit of regular maintenance; don't skimp on those few dollars. Prevention is better than regret.
It's absolutely unacceptable to run a red light when you can't stop the car in time. Getting penalty points for traffic violations is a certainty. If you cross the line when the light turns red, the system automatically records it. It's even worse on the crosswalk, where you might get more points deducted. I recommend checking the brake condition first, and if there are frequent issues, get it fixed immediately. Maintain a safe distance while driving and slow down before traffic lights change. The impact of penalty points is significant, so it's better to prevent them early.
