The Twitch streamer Emily “ExtraEmily” Zhang is known for her scatterbrained yet lovable demeanor. However, she often gets herself into trouble, as recently when she filmed herself running a red light.
What was the situation? ExtraEmily was driving on April 12, 2025, while streaming on Twitch. The camera mount was set up so that viewers could see the streamer.
However, during the stream, she rotated the camera so that the road was visible instead – and also the glaring red traffic light that the streamer zoomed past without stopping (but with strange chimpanzee sounds).
The traffic regulations seem to be something like the natural enemy of many Twitch streamers:
ExtraEmily: “It’s okay, people do it like that”
What did the streamer say about it? ExtraEmily played it cool: “This happens all the time. In Austin [Texas], the traffic lights take really long. I usually just drive through them.” The streamer thanked a viewer for a subscription in between and continued: “It’s okay, it’s okay, people do it like that.”
However, Twitch apparently did not find the 27-year-old’s driving behavior entirely acceptable, as today, on April 13, her channel was banned. Since the streaming platform is notorious for not officially disclosing reasons for bans, we cannot say with certainty that this action was the cause for the ban, but it is highly likely.
Due to the ban, ExtraEmily’s channel and thus the recording of the stream are no longer available. However, you can find the clip here:
It is still unclear how long ExtraEmily will lose access to her account. This is already her second ban. She was previously banned in October 2023 for looking at her phone while driving.
The community guidelines from Twitch are clear. Under the section “Self-destructive behavior,” it explicitly states that “Dangerous driving behavior (e.g. using the phone while driving)” is prohibited.
Viewers demand driver’s license revocation and streaming ban
However, ExtraEmily must not only account to the streaming platform, but also to the community, which is far from pleased. A post in the streaming subreddit LivestreamFail received over 1,000 comments – a few of which we have compiled here.
- Lytaa asks: “Is it really that difficult not to play with your phone or not to read the chat for a few minutes while driving? […]” (via Reddit)
- BrawDev can’t believe it: “Sorry, did she just admit that she routinely ignores traffic lights because they take too long? There’s no way to dig yourself deeper. WTF.” (via Reddit)
At the time the clip was shared, ExtraEmily was not banned from Twitch, which is why many users in the comments are calling for a ban. Some even go further and demand that the streamer’s driver’s license be revoked or that Twitch should prohibit streaming while driving altogether.
Comments that defend the streamer or downplay her behavior are nowhere to be found.
In Austin, Texas, where the streamer lives, running a red light is not considered a crime, but fines ranging from $75 to over $200, as well as 2 points on the driver’s license may apply – anyone who collects too many within 3 years loses their license (via San Antonio Criminal Defense).
Just a few days ago, we reported on MeinMMO about another traffic offender who also made evidence of his misdeeds himself. However, he showed no remorse: “I’m in GTA, bro” – Armed 19-year-old sparks wild chase with the police
