Will running a red light definitely be captured by cameras?
2 Answers
If there are cameras, the violation will be photographed as it constitutes a traffic offense. Whether a motor vehicle runs a red light while turning left or going straight, both are illegal acts. According to Article 10 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, driving a motor vehicle without obeying traffic signals results in a 6-point penalty. Vehicles must comply with traffic signals, including traffic lights, road signs, road markings, and directions from traffic police. If both 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 it constitutes a punishable offense. The definition of running a left-turn red light: Violation is determined by the vehicle's position relative to the stop line when the light turns red. The primary evidence captured is the vehicle's movement during the red phase, particularly significant positional changes. If only the front wheels cross the stop line when the light turns red and the vehicle stops immediately, no penalty is imposed. However, if the vehicle continues moving completely past the line into the intersection during the red phase, this constitutes a punishable violation. Methods to avoid running red lights: Observe arrow signals before circular ones: With two types of traffic signals (arrow and circular indicators), prioritize checking arrow signals first when available to prevent violations. Note: Right turns are permitted during circular red lights unless a red right-turn arrow is displayed, in which case turning right would be penalized as running a red light. Timely braking: When the light turns red, ensure your vehicle doesn't cross the stop line. If front wheels accidentally cross, but rear wheels follow, cameras will capture this as a violation. If the front wheels just pass the line as the light turns red, wait for the next green cycle before proceeding. Monitor green light countdown: When the green light flashes, use displayed countdown timers for judgment. Without timers, vehicles close to the intersection traveling at higher speeds may proceed cautiously to avoid sudden braking, while distant or slower vehicles should stop immediately. Article 38 of China's Road Traffic Safety Law Implementation Regulations states: Green lights permit passage, but turning vehicles must not impede straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. Yellow lights allow vehicles already past the stop line to continue. Red lights prohibit passage, except where no pedestrian/non-motor vehicle signals exist - these users should follow motor vehicle signals. Right turns during red lights are permitted if they don't obstruct other traffic or pedestrians. Exceptions when running red lights isn't penalized: Yielding to emergency vehicles: When yielding to ambulances, fire trucks etc., any camera-captured violations during manual review won't be recorded as red-light running. Even if recorded, appeals can be filed with traffic authorities. Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic monitoring can't clearly identify signal lights, potential violations with blurred evidence won't incur penalties for accidental red-light running.
Running a red light isn't always caught on camera – I've seen plenty of examples after years of driving. Major urban intersections usually have high-definition cameras and induction loops that precisely capture vehicles crossing the line, but smaller junctions or outdated equipment might not have coverage, and some places don't even have installations. Poor weather or equipment malfunctions can also affect the chances of being photographed. I once ran a light in the suburbs without consequences, but got ticketed immediately when doing the same downtown. My advice? Stay highly focused while driving – slow down and prepare to stop at yellow lights. Don't gamble with chance because the risk always exists. Safety comes first, and it saves you trouble too.
