Will I get points deducted if I stop halfway through driving past a red light?
3 Answers
Driving halfway through a red light and then stopping will not result in points being deducted, as this does not count as running a red light. The traffic rules for traffic lights are as follows: 1. Motor vehicle signal lights and non-motor vehicle signal lights: When the green light is on, vehicles are allowed to pass, but turning vehicles must not hinder the passage of straight-going vehicles or pedestrians; when the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to pass; when the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from passing. At intersections without non-motor vehicle signal lights or pedestrian crossing signal lights, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle signal lights. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may pass if they do not hinder the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. 2. Pedestrian crossing signal lights: When the green light is on, pedestrians are allowed to cross; when the red light is on, pedestrians are prohibited from entering the crossing, but those already in the crossing may continue or wait at the centerline. 3. Lane signal lights: When the green arrow is on, vehicles in the lane are allowed to proceed in the indicated direction; when the red cross or arrow is on, vehicles in the lane are prohibited from proceeding.
I once did something similar—I was in such a hurry to make a left turn at a red light that my car just crossed the line. Realizing the danger, I immediately braked and stopped right in the middle of the intersection. Later, I got caught by the traffic camera, received a ticket, lost 6 points, and was fined 200 yuan. This happened because the electronic eye considers crossing the line as running a red light, regardless of whether you stop afterward. From a safety perspective, stopping in the middle of the road is not only dangerous but can also block other vehicles. I advise everyone not to take chances—stop before the line at a red light. If you're in an emergency, shift to neutral and pull the handbrake while waiting. As driving instructors always say, "Better to wait three minutes than rush one second." Safety comes first.
From a driving experience perspective, stopping halfway through a red light can indeed result in penalty points. Having driven for over ten years, I often see some beginners doing this, thinking it's fine once they've crossed the line, but in reality, if caught by the camera, it's treated as running a red light. I remember a friend getting fined for this last year and even had to attend a half-day session at the traffic bureau. The core issue is that traffic rules clearly state that crossing the stop line during a red light is a violation. Even worse, stopping in the middle of the intersection can disrupt traffic flow and potentially cause accidents. It's advisable to develop the habit of slowing down and preparing to stop when the light turns from green to yellow. Playing some music in the car can help you relax—don’t rush for that little bit of time. Safe driving should always come first; penalty points are minor, but safety is paramount.
