Can I turn left when the left turn signal turns green while waiting at a straight lane traffic light?
3 Answers
When waiting at a straight lane traffic light, you cannot turn left even if the left turn signal turns green. Only vehicles in the left turn lane are permitted to turn left. When entering an intersection, you must follow the ground markings to proceed in your intended direction. You may cross the intersection when the traffic signal ahead is green. If you intend to turn left, your vehicle should be in the left turn lane, and you should observe the left turn signal ahead; you may turn left when it is green. According to the Ministry of Public Security's regulations on the application and use of motor vehicle driving licenses, when a motor vehicle passes through an intersection controlled by traffic signals, it must enter the designated lane based on the intended direction of travel at intersections with marked lanes. For vehicles traveling in a straight lane, making illegal left or right turns at intersections constitutes driving in an incorrect lane, and penalties depend on the nature of the road.
Having driven for over a decade, I can tell you that you absolutely must not turn left when the left-turn signal turns green while you're in a straight-only lane. The reason is simple: Lane divisions exist to streamline traffic flow. If you're in a straight-only lane, you're governed by the straight signal. The left-turn green light only applies to left-turn lanes. Making an abrupt left turn from a straight lane not only blocks straight-moving traffic but also increases the risk of rear-end collisions. With numerous traffic cameras in cities nowadays, getting caught is almost guaranteed, and you'll be slapped with a fine of several hundred yuan. I learned this the hard way when I nearly caused an accident by moving at a green light without checking my lane. Since then, I've made it a habit to plan my route in advance and wait in the left-turn lane. If I miss it, I simply make a safe U-turn at the next intersection. This approach keeps everyone safe and stress-free.
Back when I was a new driver, I was waiting at a red light in a straight lane when the left-turn signal turned green. I almost turned the steering wheel to make the turn, but was alerted by an experienced driver honking beside me. Now I understand that lanes and signals must match: straight lanes are for going straight only, and left-turn signals only allow vehicles in left-turn lanes to proceed. Forcing a turn could result in a ticket at best, or a collision causing traffic jams at worst, especially during rush hour. Now when driving, I always pay attention to road signs ahead, make sure I'm in the correct lane before stopping, and if I'm not in a left-turn lane, I just go straight and find another way. This keeps me lawful and trouble-free – very practical advice for new drivers.
