Can You Turn Right at a Red Light Without a Right-Turn Arrow?
3 Answers
There are three scenarios where vehicles can turn right at a red light, as detailed below: Circular Traffic Light: If the circular traffic light at an intersection turns red, vehicles in the right-turn lane can proceed to turn right. However, you must ensure not to interfere with other vehicles, pedestrians, and vehicles on the road to your rear and right. Arrow-Shaped Right-Turn Signal: If you encounter an arrow-shaped right-turn signal at a crossroad, you cannot turn right when the red arrow is illuminated. Turning right under these conditions will be considered running a red light. Circular Red Light with Additional Signage: At some complex intersections, you may find supplementary signage above the traffic light indicating whether right turns are permitted during a red light. If the sign states "Right Turn on Red," then turning right is allowed. If it says "No Right Turn on Red," you must wait for the green light before proceeding. Legal Regulations: According to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle traffic signals are defined as follows: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of through traffic 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 provided they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Per the "Road Traffic Safety Law," traffic signal regulations are as follows: Article 25, Paragraph 2 states that traffic signals include traffic lights, signs, road markings, and the directions of traffic police. Article 26 specifies that traffic signals consist of red, green, and yellow lights. Red means stop, green means go, and yellow serves as a warning. Article 38 requires that vehicles and pedestrians follow traffic signals; when directed by traffic police on-site, they must comply with the officers' instructions. On roads without traffic signals, movement should be based on safety and smooth traffic flow principles. Article 62 mandates that pedestrians use crosswalks or overpass facilities when crossing roads or intersections. At signalized crosswalks, they must follow the traffic signals. Where no signals or crosswalks exist, pedestrians should cross only after ensuring safety. Article 89 stipulates that pedestrians, passengers, and non-motor vehicle drivers violating road traffic laws may receive a warning or a fine ranging from 5 to 50 yuan. Non-motor vehicle drivers refusing to pay fines may have their vehicles impounded. Motor vehicle drivers violating traffic signals will receive a 6-point penalty. Right-Turn Precautions: Watch for Oncoming Straight Traffic: When turning right, check both right and left for approaching vehicles. Monitor Opposite Left-Turning Vehicles: Besides straight-moving traffic, be aware of vehicles turning left from the opposite direction. Yield to all left-turning or straight-moving vehicles from your left. Observe Pedestrians: Right turns often involve crosswalks both before and at the corner. Always check for pedestrians before proceeding.
When driving and encountering a red light at an intersection without a right-turn arrow, I always make sure to check for any 'No Right Turn' signs. If there's no such sign, it's generally permissible to turn right on red, but you must come to a complete stop and ensure there are no pedestrians or through traffic. This safety habit has been a lifesaver, especially during rainy days or at night when visibility is low—extra caution is crucial. I recommend paying close attention to road markings or small notices near traffic lights, as some intersections default to allowing right turns, but the yield-to-others rule is absolute. Don’t rush; steady actions prevent accidents. Beginners might make mistakes, but a few practice runs will build familiarity. Once it becomes a habit, handling right turns feels almost instinctive.
When I first started driving, I was really confused about this—can you turn right when the light is red but there's no right-turn arrow? My instructor taught me that unless there's a sign prohibiting it, turning right on red is usually allowed, but the key is to come to a complete stop and yield. For example, at an intersection, I must make sure oncoming traffic has stopped and check for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Gradually, I learned that observation is more important than acceleration. I recommend new drivers download a local traffic app to check the rules and avoid fines or accidents. Try driving on smaller roads a few times to gain experience, and it'll become second nature.
