Will running a red light at an intersection definitely be captured?
2 Answers
If there are cameras, they will capture the violation. Whether a motor vehicle runs a red light while turning left or going straight, it constitutes illegal behavior. According to the relevant provisions of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," vehicles must obey traffic signals, including traffic lights, traffic signs, road markings, and the directions of traffic police. If both the left-turn signal and the straight signal are green, proceeding straight from the left-turn lane violates the designated lane rules. When the left-turn signal is red, running the red light should be penalized. Here are some ways to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic signals: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. If arrow lights are present, drivers should 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 permitted. However, if the right-turn arrow is red, right turns are prohibited, and violations 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 but the rear wheels do not, electronic cameras will capture the violation, and it will be penalized as running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, the vehicle must not proceed further and should wait for the next green light. Monitor the green light countdown: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, drivers can judge accordingly. If there is no countdown and the vehicle is close to the intersection at a high speed, it may proceed to avoid running a red light due to delayed braking. If the speed is low and the vehicle is far from the intersection, the driver should 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 permitted to proceed, 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 proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians must follow the motor vehicle signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: When yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles, violations captured by surveillance cameras will not be recorded as running a red light during manual review. Even if recorded, drivers can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: If visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, photos of violations may be unclear, and drivers who accidentally run a red light will not be penalized. Emergency situations: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, running multiple red lights may occur. In such cases, drivers can provide hospital or patient documentation to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violations will be expunged. If possible, calling an ambulance is recommended to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers must follow the hand signals of the traffic police. Traffic police departments clarify that according to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," when the yellow light flashes at an intersection, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. If drivers accelerate through the intersection after the yellow light has turned on, it will be considered running a red light if captured.
I've encountered similar situations while driving before. Running a red light doesn't necessarily mean you'll get caught—it depends on whether there are cameras at that intersection. Major urban roads or traffic light intersections usually have high-definition cameras installed, often with flashing lights to indicate when you've been captured. However, rural areas or small side roads might not have cameras or the equipment could be malfunctioning. A friend of mine once ran a red light in a hurry and got away with it, but that was just luck—it's a high-risk move. Nowadays, with advanced technology, some new systems use AI to automatically detect violations, and coverage is improving. But there's no guarantee every offense will be caught, especially in poor lighting or if the system malfunctions. My advice is not to take the risk—obeying traffic signals is more important. Cameras are just supplementary enforcement tools; safe driving is the core principle. If you do get caught, the fines and penalty points aren't worth it, and you could even cause an accident that harms others. Develop good habits—waiting at red lights is the way to peace of mind.
