Can I turn right when there is no right-turn signal and the straight signal is red?
2 Answers
No, you cannot turn right when there is no right-turn signal and the straight signal is red. The specific explanation is as follows: This is considered running a red light by traffic signal violation, and electronic police will penalize you with 6 demerit points and a fine. Please note that you can only turn right when the right-turn arrow signal is green, and you must be in the right-turn lane to do so. If you are in a straight lane, regardless of whether the arrow signal is red or green, you cannot make a right turn. Relevant information is introduced as follows: If you encounter a circular signal light and there is no sign explicitly prohibiting right turns on red, you can turn right even when the light is red, but you must yield to pedestrians on the crosswalk, otherwise you will be fined and penalized with 3 demerit points. If there is an unexpected situation ahead and a traffic officer is directing traffic on-site, even if there is no right-turn arrow and the straight arrow signal is red, you can follow the officer's instructions to turn right.
I've been driving for over ten years and have seen this kind of road situation countless times. When there's a red light for straight traffic without a dedicated right-turn signal, in most cases you can make a right turn as long as you yield safely. In many cities across the US and China, traffic regulations generally permit this by default unless there's a specific sign stating 'No Right Turn on Red.' The reason is simple: it helps reduce traffic congestion and prevents drivers from pointlessly waiting for a green light, wasting both time and fuel money. However, always remember to come to a complete stop and scan the intersection before turning right—ensure there are no pedestrians crossing and no oncoming vehicles, especially at night when visibility is poor. Once, I was in a hurry to turn right and nearly collided with an electric scooter I didn't notice; ever since then, I make sure to stop fully before proceeding. Local rules might have minor variations—some residential areas prohibit it entirely, so checking regional laws before your trip is wise. Ultimately, traffic rules exist for safety—never compromise basics just to save a few seconds.
