Running a red light may not always be detected, but if there are cameras, you will be photographed. According to Article 26 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law": Traffic signals consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition of passage, a green light indicates permission to pass, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Whether a motor vehicle runs a red light while turning left or going straight, it is considered a violation of the law. Generally, if you cross the stop line but manage to stop the vehicle, even if you have already crossed the line, you will not be penalized. However, if you do not stop and continue moving forward, you will be penalized for running a red light. This is considered stopping beyond the line, which, according to traffic laws, is categorized as driving or stopping at an intersection without following regulations. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to traffic signals while driving. Be mindful of intersections, crosswalks, stop lines, etc. Additionally, maintain a safe following distance, especially when behind large vehicles. Do not reverse after stopping beyond the stop line. If you mistakenly run a red light, you can resolve the issue through appeals or petitions. Here are some ways to avoid running a red light: First, observe the arrow light, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow traffic lights and circular indicator traffic lights. When an arrow light is present, first check the arrow light and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, you may turn right. However, if the right-turn arrow is red, you must not turn right; otherwise, you will be penalized for running a red light. Brake in time: When the red light turns on, ensure the front of your 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 you will be penalized for running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, do not proceed through the intersection; wait for the green light. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, use it to make a judgment. If there is no countdown and you are close to the intersection with high speed, you may proceed to avoid running a red light due to delayed braking. If your speed is slow and you are far from the intersection, brake immediately to avoid running a red light. Article 38 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states the following for motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle traffic signals: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to pass, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of 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-motor vehicle or pedestrian crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle traffic signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may pass if they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Extreme weather: If visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, the evidence photos may be blurry. In such cases, mistakenly running a red light will not incur penalties. Emergency situations: When rushing a critically ill patient to the hospital, you may run multiple red lights, and the 12-point penalty system may not suffice. After delivering the patient, provide proof from the hospital or the person assisted to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records will be cleared. If possible, call an ambulance to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at important intersections. Drivers must follow the gestures of the traffic police. Yielding to special vehicles: Yield to ambulances, fire trucks, and other special vehicles. If caught running a red light while yielding, manual review will not record the violation. Even if recorded, you can apply for an appeal with the traffic police department.
