Will points be deducted if the rear wheels cross the line and stop after a red light?
3 Answers
No points will be deducted, and it is not considered running a red light. Here is the relevant information: 1. When the traffic light is red: If the rear wheels of a motor vehicle cross the stop line but do not continue to move forward, it is not considered running a red light, but it is considered stopping beyond the line. 2. Regulations: According to Article 51 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," when a motor vehicle passes through an intersection controlled by traffic signals and encounters a stop signal, it must stop in sequence outside the stop line. If there is no stop line, the vehicle must stop outside the intersection. If a motor vehicle driver violates the road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road traffic rules, a warning will be issued.
I've been driving for decades and have some experience with this issue. If your rear wheels just crossed the stop line at a red light and you stopped immediately, it generally doesn't count as running a red light, but it depends on how the camera captures it. According to the rules, running a red light requires that you continue moving forward after your wheels cross the line to incur points and fines; if you stop there without moving, especially if your rear wheels haven't crossed the crosswalk, you're usually fine. I remember one time I braked a bit late, and my rear wheels touched the line, but I stopped right away and didn't get any ticket. However, for safety's sake, don't push your luck—slowing down in advance is key. When the yellow light comes on, start preparing to stop; developing this habit can help you avoid rear-end collisions or fines. Losing points is a hassle—six points at once, and a few more times like that could put your license at risk. Road safety comes first, and the rules are there to protect everyone.
As a frequent commuter, I've looked into this matter. In reality, there's a high chance you won't get penalized for stopping after your rear wheels cross the line at a red light, provided you don't move your position. Traffic cameras typically trigger a red-light violation when they detect wheels crossing the line AND the vehicle continuing to move; if you remain stationary, the system might let it pass. A friend of mine experienced a similar situation - stopping behind the line resulted in no penalty. However, enforcement varies by region, with stricter measures likely in big cities. The penalty for running a red light is 6 demerit points plus a fine, which is quite substantial. My advice: don't rush through yellow lights, start braking early when you see a red light, maintaining a safety distance of 2-3 meters; if you brake too late, stop immediately and don't panic by moving forward. Safety-wise, stopping past the line increases rear-end collision risks, so developing good early-braking habits is wiser.
