Will Running a Red Light Always Be Captured?
2 Answers
Running a red light may not always be captured because: not all intersections have cameras; surveillance cameras may have monitoring functions, but traffic police usually do not collect signal light monitoring data unless an accident occurs. Running a red light refers to the act of a motor vehicle violating traffic signal instructions by crossing the stop line and continuing to drive when the red light is on and prohibits passage. The determination of running a red light requires three photos: the vehicle crossing the stop line, the vehicle reaching the middle of the intersection, and the vehicle arriving at the opposite intersection. Capturing these three photos will confirm the violation. If there are cameras, the vehicle will be photographed. Whether it is a left turn or going straight through a red light, it is considered illegal. According to Article 89 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, vehicles that do not follow traffic signals, including traffic lights, signs, markings, and police commands, will be penalized with 6 points. If both the left turn and straight signals are green, going straight from a left turn lane violates the designated lane rule. When the left turn signal is red, running the red light should be penalized. The definition of running a left turn red light: Running a red light is determined by the vehicle's stop line. Crossing the line when the light is red is illegal. The surveillance mainly records the vehicle's movement during the red light, focusing on significant positional changes. If the front wheels just cross the stop line when the light turns red and the vehicle stops immediately, the traffic police will not penalize it. However, if the vehicle continues to drive completely after crossing the line, it is considered illegal and will be penalized. This means the vehicle completes crossing the line during the red light, continues driving, and fully enters the intersection. Here are some ways to avoid running a red light: First look at the arrow light, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow signals and circular signals. When arrow signals are present, first observe the arrow light and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are allowed. However, if the right-turn arrow signal is red, right turns are prohibited; otherwise, it will be penalized as running a red light. Brake in time: When the red light turns on, ensure the front of the vehicle does not cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross, and the rear wheels follow, the electronic camera will capture it, and it will be penalized as running a red light. If the front wheels just cross the stop line when the light turns red, do not proceed; wait for the next green light. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, judge accordingly. If there is no countdown and the vehicle is close to the intersection at high speed, it may proceed to avoid running a red light due to late braking. If the speed is low and the vehicle is far from the intersection, brake immediately to avoid running the red light. Article 38 of the Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China states: When the green light is on, vehicles are allowed to pass, but turning vehicles must not obstruct straight-moving 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-motorized or pedestrian signals, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians should follow motor vehicle signal instructions. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may pass if they do not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not illegal in the following situations: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If caught by surveillance cameras while yielding, manual review will not record the violation. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police. Extreme weather: When visibility is extremely low, even electronic police cannot see clearly.
I've been driving for nearly 20 years and have witnessed many red-light running incidents. Honestly, running a red light doesn't always get caught on camera. In big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, intersections are heavily monitored with almost full coverage. I once ran a red light myself and got caught, resulting in a 200-yuan fine and 6 penalty points. However, in smaller towns or remote areas, intersections are often poorly equipped with few or even broken cameras. I once ran a red light in a rural area in a hurry, and nothing happened. But don't take chances—the safety risks are too high. Running a red light increases the likelihood of hitting pedestrians or rear-end collisions. My advice is to develop the habit of stopping and waiting for the green light, no matter where you are. Navigation apps can alert you to nearby camera locations, but disciplined driving is the most reliable. Remember those painful lessons—it's better to wait a few extra seconds than to take the risk.
