Can You Turn Left When the Straight Signal is Red?

[ArielDella]

Whether you can turn left when the straight signal is red depends on two scenarios: when the straight signal is red but the left-turn signal is green, you can turn left even if you are not in the waiting area, but you must stay within the dashed left-turn lane; when both the straight and left-turn signals are red, all vehicles must stop behind the stop line and cannot turn left. Tips for left turns: When making a left turn, try to take a wider turn because some vehicles might be coming from the turning lane. This helps avoid obstruction or collisions. Always check the rearview mirror to ensure there are no vehicles behind or beside you before turning. Additionally, be mindful of blind spots while turning to avoid hitting the curb or causing scratches. Precautions when approaching an intersection: Before reaching a traffic intersection, drivers should decide in advance whether to go straight, turn left, or turn right, and enter the appropriate lane before the solid line. Some lanes also have arrow indicators. If you need to turn left but mistakenly enter a straight-only lane, you must proceed straight—you cannot turn left or right.

[OSamuel]

I've been driving for many years, and let me tell you, never turn left when the red light is on! The rule is clear: a red light means you must stop and wait. If there's only a full circular red light at the intersection, left turns are also prohibited as they may interfere with oncoming straight-moving vehicles and pedestrians. Some places have dedicated left-turn arrow signals: a red arrow means no left turns, only proceed when it turns green. Don't take chances—I've seen numerous accidents caused by drivers forcing left turns on red. Safety always comes first; waiting a bit longer won't cause delays, but an accident could lead to irreversible regret. Remember, traffic rules exist to protect lives. Before driving, learn local regulations or use a navigation app for reminders. Better to be cautious than to make a wrong choice that harms yourself and others.