Will I get points deducted if I stop halfway after accidentally running a red light?
2 Answers
If you stop at the crosswalk and do not continue driving, it is not considered running a red light but rather overstepping the stop line. According to Article 4, Item 5 of the 'Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations': Failing to drive or stop as required at an intersection 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 driving through an intersection during a red light constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Running a red light refers to the act where the vehicle is within the stop line, the forward direction is already a red light, but the vehicle continues to move forward, with both the front and rear wheels eventually crossing the stop line. This is determined by capturing three photos via electronic cameras: A photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, including the red light and license plate number. A photo of the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, including the red light and license plate number. A photo showing the vehicle continuing to move, comparing changes in the vehicle's position, including 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 special vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other special vehicles. If captured by surveillance cameras while yielding to such vehicles, 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 very low, making it difficult even for electronic police to clearly see the traffic lights. Photos of the violation may be blurred, and accidental running of a red light will not be penalized by traffic police. Emergency situations: If a citizen transports a patient with a critical condition, they can provide proof from the hospital or the person being assisted 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 traffic accidents caused by running a red light. Traffic police direction: During peak commuting hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at important intersections. Drivers must follow the gestures of the traffic police.
I've seen many drivers get particularly nervous in such situations. In fact, capturing a red-light violation by traffic cameras requires three complete photos: the first when the front wheels cross the stop line, the second when the rear wheels cross, and the third when the vehicle fully enters the intersection. If you stop immediately after crossing the line and don't move further, it's likely that only the first two photos are taken, and the system automatically won't recognize it as a red-light violation. However, stopping in the middle of the road is quite dangerous, as it may cause a rear-end collision or block other vehicles. I recommend maintaining a safe distance when approaching a red light, not following too closely, and stopping decisively when the yellow light flashes—it's much safer than rushing those two seconds.
