Can You Turn Left at a Red Light on a Service Road?
2 Answers
You cannot turn left at a red light on a service road. Here is some relevant information about service roads: 1. Introduction: Normally, service roads are located on both sides of the main road and are designed for motor vehicle traffic, serving as a diversion for the main road. Some service roads are temporarily established, such as during road repairs, to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. 2. Regulations: If it is a temporarily used service road, it can substitute for the main road. When encountering traffic lights, you must follow the 'stop at red, go at green' rule and pay attention to the traffic diversion lines on the road. Some intersections do not allow left turns, so you should check the actual traffic signs at the intersection. If it is a service road adjacent to the main road, you must obey the traffic lights at the intersection. Note that you can only turn right or go straight; left turns are not permitted.
Speaking of turning left on a red light in the auxiliary lane, I have a personal experience to share. As a veteran driver with nearly 15 years of experience, I encountered this situation at an intersection in Beijing: the auxiliary lane had a red light, and seeing no cars on the main road, I thought about making a quick left turn. As a result, I was stopped by a traffic officer and fined 200 yuan. The officer patiently explained that the rules clearly state that the auxiliary lane signal is the same as the main road signal—a red light prohibits all movement, including left turns, unless there is a separate green arrow signal. Otherwise, it’s equivalent to running a red light, which can lead to points deduction, fines, and even more trouble. I was lucky not to cause an accident, but some intersections are complex in design, especially during rush hours with heavy traffic. Making an unauthorized left turn can easily lead to collisions with straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. Safe driving truly requires no room for complacency—waiting a few seconds for the green light is always better than risking an accident. Since then, I’ve developed a habit of double-checking signals and signs at intersections to avoid repeating such mistakes. The more I drive, the more I realize the importance of following the rules—don’t lose big for small gains.
