What are the penalties for running a red light?
In recent years, with the continuous increase in the number of motor vehicles, traffic violations have become common, among which running a red light is one of the most common violations. Running a red light not only endangers your own safety, but may also cause serious traffic accidents. So, what exactly will be the penalty for running a red light? This article will give you a detailed analysis based on the latest traffic regulations and hot cases.
1. Legal Basis for Motor Vehicles to Run Red Lights

According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" and related regulations, running a red light by a motor vehicle is a serious traffic violation, and the driver will face penalties such as fines and point deductions. The specific penalty standards are as follows:
| Illegal behavior | Basis for punishment | fine amount | Points deducted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicle running red light | Article 90 of the Road Traffic Safety Law | 200 yuan | 6 points |
2. Criteria for identification of red light running
Red light violations are often determined based on image or video evidence captured by electronic surveillance equipment. Specific identification standards include:
| Recognition conditions | Description |
|---|---|
| Vehicles cross the stop line when the red light comes on | If a vehicle continues to drive after the red light turns on, it is considered as running a red light. |
| The vehicle did not completely pass through the intersection when the red light came on | If a vehicle does not completely pass through the intersection during the yellow light, it will still be considered as running a red light. |
3. Dealing with red light running under special circumstances
In some special circumstances, a driver may run a red light due to misjudgment or emergency situations. Can he be exempted from punishment at this time? Here are some common situations and how to deal with them:
| special circumstances | Processing method |
|---|---|
| Following a large vehicle and accidentally running through a red light | You can apply for reconsideration, but you need to provide evidence to prove that your view is obstructed |
| Ambulances, fire trucks and other special vehicles run red lights while performing tasks | Safety needs to be ensured, generally no penalties |
| Signal light failure or unclear markings | Penalty can be revoked by appeal |
4. The dangers and preventive measures of running a red light
Running a red light is not only illegal, but also causes serious traffic safety hazards. The following are the main hazards and prevention suggestions for running a red light:
| Hazard | Precautions |
|---|---|
| Can cause traffic accidents | Strictly obey traffic lights and maintain a safe distance between vehicles |
| Threaten pedestrian safety | Pay attention to the movements of pedestrians at intersections and slow down in advance |
| Affect traffic order | Avoid rushing to the yellow light and wait patiently for the green light |
5. Recent hot cases
Recently, traffic accidents caused by running red lights have occurred in many places, causing widespread concern in society. For example:
| Case | Consequences |
|---|---|
| A taxi ran a red light and injured a pedestrian | Pedestrian seriously injured, driver’s license revoked |
| Takeaway rider was investigated and punished for running red lights consecutively | Fines and points will be deducted, and the platform will strengthen management. |
6. Summary
Running a red light by a motor vehicle is a serious traffic violation, and the driver will face fines and demerit points. In order to avoid unnecessary trouble and safety hazards, drivers should strictly abide by traffic rules and "stop at red lights and go at green lights." At the same time, relevant departments should also strengthen traffic management, use scientific and technological means to reduce the occurrence of illegal activities, and jointly create a safe traffic environment.
If you have questions about traffic regulations or penalties, it is recommended to consult the local traffic management department for authoritative answers.
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