Can You Turn Right at a Red Light?

[DelKaden]

There are three scenarios where vehicles can turn right at a red light, as detailed below: Circular Traffic Light: No sign prohibiting right turn on red: Observe the traffic and pedestrian conditions. If it does not affect other vehicles or pedestrians, you may proceed. Sign prohibiting right turn on red: Right turns are not allowed. Arrow-shaped Right Turn Signal: If you encounter an arrow-shaped right turn signal at an intersection, you cannot turn right when the red arrow is lit. Turning right in this case will be considered running a red light. Laws and Regulations: According to the "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle traffic signals indicate: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not impede the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle traffic signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not impede the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," the regulations on traffic signals are as follows: Article 25, Paragraph 2 states that traffic signals include traffic lights, traffic signs, traffic markings, and the directions of traffic police. Article 26 states that traffic lights consist of red, green, and yellow lights. Red means stop, green means go, and yellow means caution. Article 38 states that vehicles and pedestrians must follow traffic signals. When directed by traffic police on-site, they must follow the police's directions. On roads without traffic signals, they should proceed under the principle of ensuring safety and smooth traffic. Article 62 states that pedestrians crossing intersections or roads should use crosswalks or pedestrian facilities. At intersections with traffic signals, they must follow the signals. At intersections without signals or crosswalks, or when crossing roads without pedestrian facilities, they should proceed only after confirming safety. Article 89 states that pedestrians, passengers, or non-motor vehicle drivers violating road traffic safety laws or regulations will be given a warning or fined between 5 and 50 yuan. Non-motor vehicle drivers who refuse to pay the fine may have their vehicles confiscated. Driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signals will result in a 6-point penalty. Right Turn Precautions: Observe oncoming straight-moving vehicles: When turning right, check both the right and left sides for traffic. Watch for left-turning vehicles from the opposite direction: In addition to straight-moving vehicles, be aware of any left-turning vehicles from the opposite side. When turning right, yield to vehicles on the left, whether they are turning left or going straight. Watch for pedestrians: When turning right, be mindful of pedestrians on crosswalks, both before the intersection and at the corner.

[DeJuliette]

I pay special attention to safety when driving. Right turns on red are indeed allowed in many places, but you must come to a complete stop first, observe carefully, and ensure there are no pedestrians, bicycles, or oncoming vehicles before turning. Urban intersections often have cameras, and failure to comply with the rules may result in penalty points or fines. Pedestrians always have the right of way—this is a fundamental principle, and time pressure should never affect your judgment. Be extra cautious during rainy days or at night when visibility is poor, and double-check blind spots. Rules vary by city—for example, some intersections in Beijing prohibit right turns on red to reduce accidents. Developing good habits means taking responsibility for yourself and others. Driving a bit slower is always better than causing an accident.

[DelaneyRose]

With twenty years of driving experience, I know that right turns on red are often allowed, but you must always come to a complete stop and ensure it's safe. New drivers tend to turn directly without stopping, which can lead to accidents—I've seen rear-end collisions and side scrapes due to insufficient observation. At night, visibility is poor, so slow down and check your side mirrors and blind spots. Yielding to pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles is an absolute rule; even if the light turns green, wait for them to cross. A useful tip is to check local traffic signs when driving in unfamiliar areas, as some zones may prohibit right turns on red. Don't overlook no-turn signs at certain intersections—ignoring them can cause trouble. In short, safety is the priority; even a small lapse in attention can lead to disaster.

[MacJade]

When encountering a red light while turning right, it's generally permitted but requires a complete stop to check road conditions. Yielding to pedestrians and cyclists is mandatory. Watch for 'No Right Turn' signs at intersections. Rules vary by location—for example, rural areas may allow it while dense urban zones prohibit it. Maintain vigilance to minimize risks.