Will running a red light with temporary license plates result in penalty points?

[DeLena]

Yes, penalty points will be deducted. 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 motor vehicle plate numbers that allow temporary road use. Traffic violation penalties are not related to temporary or permanent license plates but are imposed based on the driver's illegal behavior. To determine a red light violation, at least three pieces of photographic evidence are required: the vehicle has not left the stop line when the red light is on; the vehicle passes through the intersection when the red light is on; the vehicle has crossed the line and continues to move forward when the red light is on. Article 26 of the Road Traffic Safety Law: Traffic signals consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition of passage, a green light indicates permission to pass, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Article 44: Motor vehicles passing through intersections shall proceed according to traffic signals, traffic signs, traffic markings, or the command of traffic police. Six scenarios of running a red light: Stopping immediately after crossing the line at a red light (when the red light is on, the vehicle fails to stop in time, and the front of the vehicle crosses the stop line): If the vehicle has just crossed the stop line when the red light is on but stops immediately, this will not be penalized as running a red light. However, if there is significant movement after crossing the line, it will be penalized. 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, resulting in 6 penalty points under the new regulations. Running a red light under the direction of traffic police (the signal is red, but the traffic police on duty signal permission to pass): When there is a conflict between the traffic signal and the traffic police's gesture, motor vehicle drivers must obey the on-site command of the traffic police. If a red light violation occurs due to the traffic police's on-site command, 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 administrative litigation. Stopping with the entire vehicle body over the line at a red light (failing to brake in time, resulting in the entire vehicle body crossing the stop line): If the entire vehicle crosses the stop line but does not continue to move, this is not considered running a red light but is classified as over-the-line parking. Reversing after over-the-line parking (attempting to avoid penalties by reversing after over-the-line parking at a red light): Motor vehicles are not allowed to reverse at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, or tunnels. Violations may result in a warning or fine. Accidentally running a red light behind a large vehicle (due to the large vehicle blocking the view, following it through the intersection): Drivers must maintain sufficient visibility to see the traffic signals ahead and ensure a safe braking distance. Generally, if a motor vehicle is photographed behind a large vehicle, it is due to rushing through the intersection. This behavior will be penalized as running a red light.

[OFinn]

I just bought a new car with temporary license plates, and my friend asked me if I would get points deducted. Running a red light with temporary plates can indeed result in points being deducted because the cameras capture the license plate number, and traffic police will track responsibility based on this information. Even with temporary plates, the number is unique, and any violations will be recorded in the system. Running a red light isn’t just about paying a fine—it also deducts points, usually 6, and accumulating too many could lead to a revoked license. It’s best not to take chances; follow the rules even during the temporary plate period and don’t risk saving time. If an accident happens, insurance claims might also be affected. I always pay extra attention to traffic signals when driving to build good habits. Regularly check your lights to ensure they’re working, avoiding running reds at night due to poor visibility. Safety first—don’t let small issues turn into big problems.