Will Running a Red Light Result in Penalty Points?

[HazelDella]

If there are cameras, they will capture the violation. Whether a motor vehicle runs a red light while turning left or going straight, it is considered illegal. 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 light and the straight light are green, going straight from a left-turn lane violates the designated lane rules. When the left-turn lane has a red light, running it will be penalized. 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 illegal. The cameras mainly record the vehicle's movement during the red light, focusing on significant positional changes. If the front wheels just cross the stop line and the vehicle stops immediately, the traffic police will not impose a penalty. However, if the vehicle continues to move completely after crossing the line, it is considered illegal and will be penalized. In other words, if a vehicle crosses (or presses) the line during a red light and continues to move, fully crossing the line and entering the intersection during the red light, it is a violation. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow lights and circular lights. When arrow lights are present, drivers should check the arrow light first and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, right turns are allowed. However, if the right-turn arrow is red, right turns are prohibited. Violations will be penalized as 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 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, the vehicle must not proceed further and should wait for the next green light. Check the countdown before proceeding: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, drivers can judge accordingly. If there is no countdown, vehicles close to the intersection and moving at a higher speed may proceed to avoid running a red light due to delayed braking. If the vehicle is moving slowly and is far from the intersection, it 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-motorized vehicle or pedestrian signals, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians must follow the motor vehicle signal lights. 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 illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If a violation is captured by surveillance cameras due to yielding, manual review will not record the act of running a red light. Even if recorded, drivers can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is extremely low, and even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, the evidence of violation may be blurry. In such cases, mistakenly running a red light will not be penalized. Emergency situations: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, running multiple red lights is inevitable, and the 12-point penalty system would be insufficient. After delivering the patient, the driver can provide proof from the hospital or the rescued individual to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation record will be cleared. 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. The traffic police department states that according to the Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, the yellow light at an intersection

[Karter]

Running a red light definitely results in penalty points! Traffic regulations are becoming increasingly strict nowadays, and running a red light once will directly deduct 6 points. I remember when I first started driving, I was in a hurry once and couldn't brake in time, ending up crossing the line on a red light. A few days later, I received a notification message. I was really scared at that time—6 points is more than half of the total points. If I were to violate traffic rules again carelessly, I'd have to retake the driving test. Besides the penalty points, there's also a fine of 200 yuan, which is such a waste of money. More importantly, it poses a significant safety hazard. There are vehicles coming from so many directions at intersections, and suddenly rushing out makes it very easy to collide. Now, whenever I approach an intersection, I always observe the traffic light countdown in advance and start slowing down when the light turns yellow. I'd rather wait three minutes than rush that one second.

[DelBrooke]

Running a red light results in a 6-point deduction, which is basic knowledge for drivers. Several friends I know have stumbled over this issue, especially with the high coverage of traffic cameras nowadays—there's simply no avoiding them. Last year, when I accompanied my cousin to the traffic police station to handle a violation, I saw someone whose license was left with only 3 points after being penalized for running a red light, leaving them anxious and afraid to drive. The safety implications are even more significant—accidents caused by running red lights are often particularly severe. At intersections, vehicles usually move at considerable speed, and a side collision can easily lead to a rollover. Therefore, I advise all drivers to shift their foot to the brake pedal when approaching an intersection, ready to slow down at any moment. If the green light countdown shows only three seconds left, never rush through; stopping safely is the wisest choice.

[VanSara]

Points must be deducted! The traffic regulations are clearly stated: running a red light results in 6 penalty points and a fine of 200 yuan. Last month, there was a painful lesson in our neighborhood: a neighbor who was driving for a ride-hailing service rushed to pick up a passenger and ran a red light, colliding with an electric bike. Not only were all 12 points on their license deducted, but they also had to pay tens of thousands in medical compensation. Over the years of driving, I've learned a trick: when the green light turns yellow ahead, immediately slow down and start judging the situation from 50 meters before the stop line. Especially in rainy weather with poor visibility, it's even more important to slow down early. Nowadays, navigation apps have a countdown feature for traffic lights, so I always turn on the navigation when making turns. Although it's a bit troublesome, it's better than having all your points deducted and having to retake the written test.

[McMax]

Last year, I suffered a loss because of this. Early in the morning, while drowsy from taking my child to school, I absentmindedly ran a red light and was immediately caught by the traffic camera. A 6-point deduction was a heavy blow, considering the annual limit is only 12 points! When handling the violation, the traffic officer said I was actually lucky—if an accident had occurred, it would have been at least a 12-point penalty. Now, when driving through intersections, I pay special attention to three things: first, observing the color changes of the distant traffic lights; second, checking the pedestrian crossing signals; and finally, glancing at the rearview mirror to prevent rear-end collisions. In fact, many drivers aren’t aware that stopping with the wheels on the line but not crossing it after the light turns red doesn’t count as a violation. So, when in doubt, it’s best to stop decisively. Since adopting this habit, I haven’t had any points deducted in two years.

[DelRiver]

Both novice and experienced drivers should know that running a red light is a serious traffic violation that results in a 6-point deduction. A friend saw in an insurance company's case database that two-thirds of major accidents at intersections are caused by running red lights. When driving, I pay special attention to the rhythm of traffic light changes: easing off the accelerator when the green light starts flashing and stopping when the yellow light comes on ensures I never accidentally run a red light. In heavy rain or when sunlight obscures the traffic signals, blindly following the car in front is dangerous—independent judgment is crucial. Two years ago, a colleague accidentally ran a red light because their view was blocked by a truck and also received a 6-point penalty. Honestly speaking, rather than worrying about point deductions, prioritizing safety should always come first.