Can I proceed if the light turns red halfway through a left turn?
4 Answers
If the vehicle has already crossed the stop line before the red light turns on, you can continue the left turn. Below is relevant information about traffic lights: 1. Introduction: Traffic lights are signal lights that direct traffic. 2. Classification: Traffic lights are divided into motor vehicle signal lights, non-motor vehicle signal lights, pedestrian crossing signal lights, direction indicator lights (arrow signal lights), lane signal lights, flashing warning signal lights, and railway crossing signal lights. 3. Light Colors: Initially, there were only red and green colors. Later, a yellow light was added after improvements. Red means stop, yellow means prepare, and green means go. The reason for using these three colors as traffic signals is related to human visual structure and psychological reactions.
I've been driving for over a decade and often encounter situations with left turns at red lights. As long as your car's front has crossed the stop line when the light was green, just complete your turn without hesitation. Stopping suddenly in the middle of the intersection is more dangerous and can easily cause rear-end collisions. The key is to clearly observe oncoming vehicles and pedestrians when turning left - yield when you should. Also pay attention to intersections with left-turn waiting zones; don't prematurely occupy the lane. If you ever encounter unreasonable traffic light designs, like the light suddenly turning red mid-turn, you can file a complaint with the traffic police afterward. Remember, safety comes first - just stay calm and handle the situation properly.
Last time I accompanied my friend for driving practice, we encountered this exact situation. He panicked and wanted to slam on the brakes, but I quickly told him to keep turning. The key point is that if the car crosses the stop line when the light is green and enters the intersection before the signal turns red, it doesn't count as a violation. But remember to use your turn signal to alert vehicles behind you and check the side mirrors for approaching cars from both sides. If you suddenly stop at this moment, not only could you get a ticket, but you might also block the intersection. Once I saw a new driver stop in the middle of an intersection, causing a backup of five or six cars behind. Also, be extra cautious when the yellow light turns red—it's best to slow down in advance and anticipate the change.
This issue is actually clearly addressed in traffic regulations. According to the Road Traffic Safety Law, when a vehicle passes the stop line and enters the intersection during a green light, it should continue to proceed even if the signal later turns red. However, note that: 1. Stopping on pedestrian crossings is prohibited 2. Yielding to oncoming straight-moving vehicles is mandatory 3. Priority must be given to pedestrians. The penalty standard for violations states that running a red light is only counted after crossing the stop line, so changing lights after entering the intersection is not illegal. Additionally, left-turn signal settings vary at different intersections, requiring extra attention at intersections with arrow signals.
