Will running a red light with a temporary license plate result in penalty points?
2 Answers
Yes, penalty points will be incurred. According to Article 90 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, drivers who violate traffic signals will be fined 200 yuan and receive 6 penalty points. Temporary license plates are paper permits allowing vehicles to operate temporarily on roads. Traffic violation penalties are not related to whether the vehicle has a temporary or permanent license plate; they are primarily imposed for the act of violating traffic rules. Determining a red-light violation requires at least three pieces of photographic evidence: the vehicle not having left the stop line when the light turns red; the vehicle passing through the intersection while the light is red; and the vehicle having crossed the line and continuing to move forward after the light turns red. Article 26 of the Road Traffic Safety Law states: Traffic signals consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition of passage, a green light indicates permission to proceed, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Article 44 states: When passing through intersections, motor vehicles must follow traffic signals, signs, road markings, or the directions of traffic police. Six scenarios of running a red light: Stopping immediately after crossing the line at a red light (when the light turns red, the vehicle cannot stop in time and the front crosses the stop line): If the vehicle has just crossed the stop line when the light turns red but stops immediately, this does not count as running a red light and will not be penalized. However, if there is noticeable movement after crossing the line, penalties will apply. Electronic monitoring captures three photos for red-light violations: the front wheels crossing the stop line, the rear wheels crossing the stop line, and the front wheels crossing the opposite stop line. Only when all three photos are present will it be considered running a red light, incurring 6 penalty points under the new regulations. Running a red light under police direction (the signal is red, but the traffic officer signals to proceed): When there is a conflict between the traffic signal and the officer's gesture, drivers must obey the officer's on-site command. If a red-light violation occurs due to police direction, the driver can obtain a diversion certificate from the local traffic police station to avoid penalties. If the party disagrees with the penalty, they can appeal through administrative reconsideration or litigation. Stopping with the entire vehicle over the line at a red light (failing to brake in time, causing the entire vehicle to cross the stop line): If the entire vehicle crosses the stop line but does not move further, this is not considered running a red light but rather over-the-line parking. Reversing after over-the-line parking (attempting to reverse to avoid penalties after crossing the line at a red light): Motor vehicles must not reverse at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp turns, steep slopes, or tunnels. Violations may result in a warning or fine. Accidentally running a red light behind a large vehicle (due to obstructed view from the large vehicle ahead, following it through the intersection): Drivers must maintain sufficient visibility to see traffic signals ahead and ensure a safe braking distance. Generally, if a vehicle is photographed following a large vehicle through an intersection, it is due to rushing the signal. Such behavior will be penalized as running a red light.
When I was driving with temporary license plates, I was quite worried about whether running a red light would result in penalty points. After asking a few fellow drivers and professionals, they all said it definitely would! Temporary license plates are no different from regular ones—traffic cameras or police officers will handle violations the same way, with the penalty point system fully enforced. Typically, it’s at least 6 points plus a fine of several hundred yuan. This is especially risky for new drivers, as having too few points could lead to a suspended license, and insurance companies might raise your premiums. I recommend being extra cautious when using temporary plates: pay close attention to traffic signals, never rush through intersections, and practice safe driving to avoid trouble. Also, during routine car maintenance, remind yourself to check if the plates are securely installed to prevent accidental violations.
