Can You Turn Left When the Straight Green Light Is On?
2 Answers
At an intersection with a standard three-color traffic signal, you can turn left when the green light is on. Here is some relevant information about straight-ahead signs: 1. Difference: The placement of the signs differs. Straight-ahead signs are usually located on the ground or at traffic lights, while one-way signs are typically displayed on the right side of the road as vertical signs. 2. Violation: Article 25, Paragraph 2 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law' states: 'Road traffic signals include traffic lights, traffic signs, traffic markings, and the directions of traffic police.' In daily traffic law enforcement, violations are generally categorized into two types: 'motor vehicles violating traffic light instructions' and 'motor vehicles violating other traffic signal instructions,' where 'violating traffic signs and markings' is grouped under 'violating other traffic signals.'
I've been driving for decades. Whether you can turn left when the straight light is green depends on the specific situation at the intersection. At most intersections, if the light is a regular round green light and there's no sign prohibiting left turns, then of course you can turn left. But you have to wait until there are no oncoming cars, because vehicles going straight in the opposite direction still have the right of way. If you don't yield, it's easy to collide. Last time when my son was a new driver, he hastily made a left turn and got lectured by a traffic officer. Later we learned this rule exists to reduce accident risks. Some intersections have dedicated left-turn arrow lights - those are much safer and more reliable. In short, safety first - observe carefully before acting. Developing this habit can help avoid tickets and protect both yourself and pedestrians.
