Will Running a Red Light Be Captured by Cameras?
2 Answers
If there are surveillance cameras, the vehicle will be photographed. Whether it's running a red light while turning left or going straight, it constitutes a traffic violation. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," vehicles must obey traffic signals, including traffic lights, signs, road markings, and the directions of traffic police. If both the left-turn and straight signals are green, proceeding straight from a left-turn lane violates lane regulations. When the left-turn signal is red, running the red light will result in penalties. The definition of running a red light while turning left: Running a red light is determined based on the vehicle's position relative to the stop line. If a vehicle crosses the line when the light is red, it is a violation. The camera primarily records the vehicle's movement during the red light, focusing on significant positional changes. If the front wheels cross the stop line just as the light turns red and the vehicle stops immediately, traffic authorities will not impose penalties. However, if the vehicle continues to move completely past the line, it is considered a violation and will be penalized. In other words, if a vehicle crosses the stop line during a red light and proceeds into the intersection, it constitutes running a red light. To avoid running a red light, consider the following points: Check the arrow signal first, then the circular signal: Currently, there are two types of traffic signals: arrow signals and circular signals. When arrow signals are present, drivers should first observe the arrow signal and then the circular signal to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are permitted. However, if the right-turn arrow signal is red, right turns are prohibited, and violating this rule will result in penalties for running a red light. Brake in time: When the light turns red, 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 the violation, leading to penalties for running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, the vehicle must wait for the next green light before proceeding. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown timer, use it to judge whether to proceed. If there is no timer, and the vehicle is close to the intersection with sufficient speed, it may proceed to avoid running a red light due to delayed braking. If the vehicle is far from the intersection or moving slowly, 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: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, 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. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motorized vehicle or pedestrian signals, non-motorized 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 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, drivers can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is extremely low, making it difficult for electronic police to discern traffic signals, evidence of violations may be unclear. In such cases, accidental red-light running will not be penalized. Emergencies: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, running multiple red lights may occur. After delivering the patient, the driver can provide hospital documentation or testimony from the patient to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records 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 major intersections. Drivers must follow the gestures of the traffic police.
Having driven for so many years, let me tell you, running a red light will definitely be caught by cameras. At red light intersections in the city, high-definition cameras are basically installed everywhere. The moment you cross the line, your license plate and the time will be instantly captured in several photos. The consequences are severe—like losing 6 points on your license, a fine of 200 to 500 yuan, and possibly receiving a ticket notification via text. That’s not all. If a pedestrian or another vehicle happens to collide with you at that moment, it’s no longer just about the fine—it could lead to a major accident. I’ve seen too many similar situations on the road. Some people rush through the light in a hurry, only to regret it deeply after being caught. So, the best approach is to obey traffic signals, slow down in advance, and wait for the light to turn green. Don’t risk it for those few seconds—cars can be repaired, but lives can’t. Besides, cameras are getting smarter these days, and there’s no escaping them.
