Will running a red light at night go unnoticed by cameras?
3 Answers
If there are cameras, they will capture the violation. According to Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2 of the 'Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations,' driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal regulations results in a 6-point penalty. Running a red light refers to the act of a motor vehicle violating the prohibition of passage during the red light phase at a signal-controlled intersection or road section, crossing the stop line and continuing to move forward. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: First, observe the arrow signal, then the circular signal: Currently, there are two types of traffic signals: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. When an arrow signal is present, first check the arrow signal and then the circular signal 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, or you will be penalized for running a red light. Brake promptly: 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, resulting in a penalty 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 is flashing, if there is a countdown, use it to judge whether to proceed. If there is no countdown and you are close to the intersection with high speed, you may proceed to avoid braking too late and running the red light. If your speed is low and you are 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 the following for motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle signals: 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 crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians must follow the motor vehicle signal. 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 a violation under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If captured by surveillance cameras while yielding, manual review will not record the act as running a red light. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic signals, the evidence of violation may be blurry. In such cases, mistakenly running a red light will not result in penalties. Emergency situations: When rushing a critically ill patient to the hospital, you may run multiple red lights, far exceeding the 12-point limit. 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, calling an ambulance is advisable 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 gestures of the traffic police. The traffic police department states that Article 38 of the 'Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China' specifies that when the yellow light flashes at an intersection, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. If you proceed through the intersection after the yellow light has already turned on, you will be penalized for running a red light if captured.
Will running a red light at night go unnoticed? I'm quite familiar with this because I usually pay attention to traffic equipment. Most cameras nowadays have night vision capabilities, such as infrared technology or high-intensity flash, which can clearly capture license plates even in low-light conditions. In some areas with high camera coverage, like intersections in the city center, there's a 99% chance you'll be caught. However, remote suburban areas might have more blind spots, but don't bet on it—my friend was caught running a red light at night last month and got six points deducted and a 500-yuan fine. More importantly, there's a safety risk, as visibility is poor at night and accidents are more likely. I recommend drivers develop the habit of patience, stopping at red lights, and not taking such pointless risks. Remember, technology is advancing, and trying to get away with it is almost impossible.
Speaking of running red lights at night, I've been driving for almost thirty years and have encountered quite a few cases. Most of the time, the cameras can capture clear images even in the dark, especially with the high-quality equipment installed in cities. I remember last year on a rural road, I saw a driver forcefully pass through a traffic signal at night, thinking no one would notice, only to receive a ticket the following week. In fact, nighttime driving is more dangerous due to limited visibility and a higher likelihood of drowsy driving. If an accident happens, it's not just about the fine—you could seriously injure someone. I never run red lights myself; I'd rather wait a bit longer to ensure I arrive on time safely. Fellow drivers, don't think the cover of night can hide small violations—rules are rules, and following them is the only way to stay safe.
