Can You Turn Left When Only the Straight Signal is Green?
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At an intersection with a standard three-color traffic light, you can turn left when the light is green. However, at an intersection with arrow signals, you cannot turn left if the straight arrow is green but the left-turn arrow is red. Here is some relevant information: Light Colors: Initially, traffic lights only had red and green colors. Later, a yellow light was added as an improvement. The red light means stop, the yellow light means prepare, and the green light means go. These three colors were chosen for traffic signals based on human visual structure and psychological reactions. The human retina contains rod cells and three types of cone cells. Rod cells are particularly sensitive to yellow light, while the three types of cone cells are most sensitive to red, green, and blue light, respectively. Traffic Signals: At a crossroads, red, yellow, and green traffic lights are hung on all sides, acting as silent "traffic police." Traffic lights are internationally standardized. The red light is the stop signal, and the green light is the go signal. At an intersection, vehicles from several directions converge here—some need to go straight, while others need to turn. Determining who goes first is guided by the traffic lights.
As a seasoned driver who's been on the road for over a decade, I've encountered this straight-only signal situation countless times. The straight signal is that solid green circle light, which means you're allowed to proceed straight or turn right, but absolutely cannot make a direct left turn. Why? Because left turns would conflict with oncoming traffic, creating extremely high risks. I've seen too many novice drivers hastily attempting turns, only to end up with tickets or collisions - it's brutal. You must wait for the dedicated left-turn arrow to illuminate, or turn only when there's no opposing traffic. Safety comes first, especially when family members are in the car - I never take chances. These rules exist to protect everyone, so don't cut corners recklessly. Checking intersection signage is equally crucial, as configurations vary by location. Developing good habits can prevent countless troubles.
