Can you turn right at a circular red light?

[VanMaci]

Circular red lights allow right turns when they do not affect other vehicles or pedestrians. Straight-through intersection traffic signals: Straight-through intersections use only one set of traffic lights. When the red light is on, straight-through traffic stops; when the green light is on, straight-through traffic proceeds. For intersections where U-turns are permitted, U-turns can be made at either red or green lights. However, some locations may specifically mark "U-turn on red" for safety reasons, in which case U-turns can only be made when the red light is on. It is important to note that if you see a "No U-turn" sign before an intersection, U-turns are prohibited at that intersection, and you must be careful not to violate traffic regulations. Crossroad traffic signals: Crossroads are equipped with at least two sets of traffic lights, usually arrow-type. Vehicles making U-turns do not depend on traffic light conditions (but if the straight-through lane requires crossing the stop line, then the left-turn signal must be followed), and must ensure safety when turning left; straight-through vehicles proceed according to traffic lights (stop at red, go at green); right-turning vehicles do not depend on traffic lights but must yield to straight-through vehicles.

[VonGabrielle]

I've been driving for almost ten years, and I often encounter situations with round traffic lights where turning right on red is allowed. Generally speaking, as long as there isn't a 'No Right Turn on Red' sign at the intersection, it's fine to make the turn. But you have to slow down, especially watching out for pedestrians on the crosswalk—those electric bike riders darting out suddenly from the side are the most dangerous. I remember last year at an intersection downtown, I almost hit a food delivery guy who ran a red light because I turned too quickly. Also, you need to pay attention to the lanes—some intersections have dedicated right-turn lanes with arrow signals, and you must not move when that red arrow is lit. In short, the rules are rigid, but driving requires flexibility—safety always comes first.

[VanBethany]

When I was learning to drive, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that when turning right at a full-circle red light, you must clearly check three conditions. First, look for prohibition signs—if there's a 'No Right Turn on Red' sign, you must obediently stop. Second, check the type of traffic signal—if the right-turn lane has a dedicated red arrow, you must stop as soon as the red arrow lights up. Third, ensure safety by yielding to through traffic and pedestrians. At first, I was always nervous while driving, hesitating at intersections and getting honked at by cars behind me. Now I've learned to be smarter: slow down 200 meters in advance and scan the crosswalk twice before turning. Especially at night, I have to keep my eyes wide open for pedestrians wearing dark clothing.

[VonEmily]

According to Article 38 of traffic regulations, turning right at a circular red light is permitted only when it does not hinder other road users. There are two common pitfalls: first, overlooking auxiliary signs—some large intersections have additional 'No Right Turn' signs on traffic light poles, which are small and easily missed; second, misjudging the right of way—right-turning vehicles must yield to straight-moving vehicles and pedestrians crossing with a green light. Last week, I witnessed an accident where a right-turning car failed to yield to a straight-moving motorcycle, resulting in the motorcyclist being thrown several meters upon impact. It is advisable to keep your speed below 20 km/h when turning, check blind spots by leaning forward, and exercise extra caution on wet roads during rainy days.

[LeLucille]

Commuting through six traffic lights every day, I've summarized the golden rule for turning right at a circular signal: first check the light, then the signs, and finally the pedestrians. At a red light, first confirm it's a full circular light rather than an arrow signal; then look for prohibition signs on the streetlight poles or roadside; lastly, pay special attention to the crosswalk, particularly watching out for children and the elderly. Once during rush hour, I nearly hit a suddenly darting elementary student while turning right—fortunately, I was driving slowly enough to brake in time. If encountering a situation where the right-turn lane merges with the straight lane, signal and wait for a gap in the straight-moving traffic to merge, never force your way in to avoid causing a rear-end collision.

[DelCole]

As a safe driving advocate, I particularly want to highlight the risks of turning right at roundabouts. Beyond standard right-of-way rules, many overlook blind spot monitoring: when turning right, the vehicle's front end can block the right-side view—I recommend slightly steering left to widen the viewing angle. Weather conditions also play a role; reduced visibility during rain or fog demands earlier deceleration. Last month on a foggy morning, my neighbor failed to spot an e-bike in the shadows while turning right, resulting in over 5,000 yuan in medical compensation. Additionally, special zones require attention: school areas often have extra speed limits, and hospital entrances may enforce 24-hour no-right-turn signs—these details determine traffic violations.