Can I Turn Left When the Left Turn Signal is On in a Straight Lane?
3 Answers
You cannot turn left when the left turn signal is on in a straight lane. Turning left from a straight lane is a traffic violation: Turning left from a straight lane is a traffic violation that results in a 2-point deduction. According to the Road Traffic Safety Law, this behavior constitutes driving a motor vehicle without following the designated lane markings and will result in a 2-point deduction and a fine of 100 yuan. Article 51, Section 2, Chapter 4 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China states: At intersections with lane indication signs and directional lanes, vehicles must follow the designated lanes in advance based on the direction of travel. Motor vehicle signal lights indicate: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motor vehicle signal lights or pedestrian crossing signal lights, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians must follow the indications of the motor vehicle signal lights.
As a frequent driver, I firmly believe that you should never make a left turn from a straight lane just because the left turn signal is on. Straight lanes are designated for forward movement only, and forcing a left turn can easily lead to collisions with vehicles going straight or cause traffic congestion. Traffic rules are clearly designed: lane arrows dictate your direction, and traffic signals correspond to specific lanes. For example, left turn signals only apply to dedicated left turn lanes. Making an unauthorized turn from a straight lane may result in being caught by traffic cameras or ticketed by police, typically with fines ranging from 100 to 200 yuan, and possible demerit points. From a safety perspective, this behavior carries significant risks, especially during peak hours when traffic is heavy—sudden turns can lead to rear-end collisions. My advice is to pay close attention to road markings and not let green lights mislead you. If you genuinely need to turn left, switch to the correct lane in advance. Always prioritize road order when driving—don’t take unnecessary risks, as safety should always come first.
I've been driving for over a decade, and last week I encountered a similar situation: the left-turn signal suddenly lit up while I was in a straight-only lane with straight arrow markings. I resisted the urge to turn. A colleague once shared his mistake of forcing a left turn under the same circumstances, resulting in a 150-yuan fine and nearly causing a scrape. Later, I learned that lane markings take precedence over traffic signals. If you're in a straight-only lane and the signal shows a left turn, it means the signal is for other lanes - turning would be a violation and could block traffic behind you. Especially at big city intersections, such mistakes can trigger chain reactions. I recommend new drivers use navigation apps with lane guidance and check routes beforehand. Ultimately, matching lanes with signals is basic driving knowledge that requires practice to master.
