Can I turn left if the left turn signal is off?
3 Answers
If the left turn signal is not working, turning left is not considered a traffic violation and will not result in penalties or demerit points. Even if it is mistakenly judged as running a red light, you can apply for administrative reconsideration at the traffic police department to have the violation revoked. Since the violation was caused by a malfunctioning traffic signal, the traffic police department will review the case and, if confirmed, will not impose any penalties. Below is relevant information: 1. Solution: When traffic is light, you can stop and observe the pattern of the traffic lights, waiting until the left turn signal turns green before proceeding. If the pattern of the left turn signal cannot be determined, you should first use a dashcam or phone to record the malfunctioning left turn signal and proceed to turn left when it is safe. 2. Turn Signal: The turn signal is an important indicator light that is activated when a vehicle is turning to alert surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. The turn signal bulb uses a xenon tube, controlled by a microcontroller circuit, and operates with an alternating left-right flash pattern continuously.
I've been driving for many years and often encounter situations where the left turn signal isn't working. In such cases, I always check how the main traffic light is displayed first. If the main light is green, according to traffic rules, you can attempt to make a left turn, but you must be extremely cautious because oncoming traffic may still be going straight, and pedestrians or cyclists can easily dart out. I slow down to an almost complete stop, make sure the road is completely clear before proceeding, and never try to force the turn to save time. Sometimes this issue is a momentary glitch—it's best to wait a bit to see if it recovers or find a safe place to park and report the malfunction. Safety awareness should always come first; it's far more important than rushing those few seconds. In cities with complex signal systems, being familiar with local traffic policies is beneficial. The general principle is not to let equipment failures lead to mistakes.
From a rule-following perspective, when the left-turn arrow signal is dark, it essentially means it's not functioning, so referring to the main traffic light is crucial. I consider turning left when I see the main light is green, but strictly yield to through traffic and pedestrians first, ensuring absolute road safety. This isn't a free pass green light card, but rather a signal of increased risk. My approach is to activate the turn signal to alert following vehicles, slowly edge into the intersection to observe oncoming traffic dynamics, and immediately stop to wait if there's any uncertainty or heavy traffic flow. The potential for fines and accident risks is too high to justify taking chances. Local regulations may vary slightly, but the core principle is to rely on the main signal system to manage traffic flow during malfunctions.
