Can You Turn Right at a Red Light Without an Arrow?
2 Answers
You can turn right at a red light without an arrow. You can turn right under the following conditions when the light is red: Circular traffic light, arrow-shaped right-turn indicator, or a circular red light with an additional sign. If there is an arrow signal at the intersection, right turns are only permitted when the right-turn arrow is green; otherwise, turning right is prohibited. If there is a sign prohibiting right turns on red at the intersection, right turns are only allowed when the light is green. If there are no other signs at the intersection, vehicles can turn right on red as long as they do not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. Circular traffic light: If the circular traffic light turns red, vehicles in the right-turn lane can proceed to turn right. However, you must ensure not to obstruct other vehicles, pedestrians, or vehicles on the right side of the road. Arrow-shaped right-turn indicator: If you encounter an arrow-shaped right-turn signal at an intersection, you cannot turn right when the red arrow is lit. Turning right under these conditions will be considered running a red light. Circular red light with an additional sign: At some complex intersections, there may be a sign above the traffic light indicating whether right turns are allowed on red. If the sign says "Right Turn on Red Permitted," you may proceed. If it says "No Right Turn on Red," you must wait for the green 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 are as follows: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue. 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 must follow the motor vehicle traffic signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," traffic signal regulations are as follows: Article 25, Paragraph 2: Traffic signals include traffic lights, traffic signs, road markings, and the directions of traffic police. Article 26: Traffic lights consist of red, green, and yellow lights. Red means stop, green means go, and yellow means caution. Article 38: Vehicles and pedestrians must follow traffic signals. If a traffic officer is directing traffic, follow their instructions. On roads without traffic signals, proceed under the principles of safety and smooth traffic flow. Article 62: Pedestrians crossing intersections or roads must use crosswalks or pedestrian facilities. At signalized crosswalks, follow the traffic signals. At unsignalized intersections or road sections without crosswalks, cross only after confirming safety. Article 89: Pedestrians, passengers, or non-motor vehicle drivers violating traffic laws will be warned or fined between 5 and 50 RMB. Non-motor vehicle drivers refusing to pay fines may have their vehicles impounded. Drivers violating traffic signals will receive 6 penalty points. Right-turn precautions: Watch for straight-moving vehicles from the left: When turning right, check both the right and left sides for oncoming traffic. Watch for left-turning vehicles from the opposite direction: In addition to straight-moving vehicles, be aware of any left-turning vehicles. Yield to them before proceeding. Watch for pedestrians: When turning right, observe crosswalks at the intersection and corners for pedestrians.
Well, as an experienced driver who's driven in many cities, I'm quite familiar with making right turns at red lights without arrows. It's allowed in most places as long as you come to a complete stop and carefully observe the traffic situation. Are pedestrians crossing? Are there any vehicles coming straight from the left? You need to check all these thoroughly. For example, in California, right turns on red are standard practice, but safety always comes first. I once had a close call on a rainy night because I didn't notice a pedestrian suddenly darting out, so now I've developed the habit of stopping completely and taking extra looks before turning. Also, it's best to check for 'No Turn on Red' signs at intersections - if there aren't any, you're usually good to go. Don't take the turn too sharply, and using your turn signal is basic courtesy. Remember, the rules exist for everyone's safety - don't risk it just to save a few seconds.
