Will Running a Red Light on a Motorcycle Be Captured?
2 Answers
Running a red light will be captured by electronic surveillance because motorcycles are classified as motor vehicles. According to Article 2 of the "Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations," running a red light results in a 6-point deduction and a fine. Running a red light refers to the act of a motor vehicle violating traffic signal instructions by crossing the stop line and continuing to move when the red light is on, prohibiting passage. Determining a red-light violation requires at least three photos as evidence: the vehicle not having left the stop line when the red light is on; the vehicle passing through the intersection when the red light is on; and the vehicle having crossed the line and continuing to move forward when the red light is on. Common scenarios of running a red light: When the red light is on, if the front wheel touches the stop line but the vehicle stops immediately, it is not considered running a red light. However, if the vehicle continues to move, it is counted as running a red light. If the vehicle completely crosses the stop line and stops on the pedestrian crossing after the red light is on, this is not considered running a red light but rather stopping beyond the line, which does not result in point deductions. However, if the vehicle moves significantly on the pedestrian crossing or obstructs pedestrian traffic, it may be judged as running a red light. If the front wheel crosses the stop line and then reverses back behind the stop line when the red light is on, this is considered illegal reversing, which may also incur a fine. If this causes a rear-end collision, the driver will bear primary responsibility. If the vehicle crosses the stop line and the pedestrian crossing and reaches the opposite intersection after the red light is on, this is considered running a red light. Ways to avoid running a red light: Follow arrow signals if present; otherwise, follow the circular signal. When the red light is on, do not allow the front of the vehicle to cross the stop line. When the yellow light is on, do not allow the front of the vehicle to cross the stop line. When the green light starts flashing, if you are close and moving fast, you should proceed, as stopping might be difficult, leading to crossing the stop line. If you are far away, moving slowly, or the intersection is congested, you should stop. When driving in the city, develop the habit of looking for traffic signals whenever you see a pedestrian crossing or stop line at an intersection.
I think motorcycles running red lights are highly likely to be caught on camera, as I've been riding for over a decade and have seen plenty of electronic surveillance devices at intersections in big cities. These cameras are triggered by infrared sensors or induction loops, specifically monitoring vehicle movements, including small vehicles like motorcycles. I once ran a red light in Beijing, and the system captured it clearly, recording my license plate number. Later, I received a ticket with a 200-yuan fine and penalty points. This taught me the importance of following rules to avoid unnecessary trouble. More importantly, running red lights is extremely dangerous. Motorcycles, being lightweight, are prone to accidents when competing with cars for right of way, especially in low-visibility conditions like fog or at night. A friend shared a similar experience, saying it took half a day to deal with the penalty after being caught in Shenzhen. I advise new riders to always check traffic signals, resist the urge to rush, and avoid both financial and physical harm. Developing good habits ensures peace of mind.
