Can You Turn Right at a Red Light Without an Arrow?
2 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, as well as pedestrians and vehicles on the road behind and to your right. 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 Additional Signage: At some intersections with complex traffic conditions, you may find signage above the traffic light indicating whether right turns are permitted during a red light. If the sign says "Right Turn on Red," then you may proceed. If it says "No Right Turn on Red," you must wait for the green light before turning. Legal 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 obstruct 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 provided they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," traffic signal regulations 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 specifies that traffic lights 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. If a traffic officer is directing traffic on-site, their directions should be followed. On roads without traffic signals, proceed under the principles of safety and smooth traffic flow. Article 62 states that pedestrians should use crosswalks or pedestrian facilities when crossing intersections or roads. At signalized crosswalks, pedestrians must follow the traffic signals. At unsignalized intersections or road sections without crosswalks, pedestrians should cross only after confirming safety. Article 89 stipulates that pedestrians, passengers, and non-motor vehicle drivers who violate road traffic safety laws and regulations may receive a warning or a fine ranging from 5 to 50 yuan. Non-motor vehicle drivers who refuse to pay fines may have their vehicles impounded. Motor vehicle drivers who violate traffic signal rules will receive 6 penalty points per violation. Right-turn Precautions: Observe Straight-moving Vehicles to 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 from the opposite direction. When turning right, yield to vehicles on your left, whether they are turning left or going straight. Pay Attention to Pedestrians: When turning right, be mindful of pedestrians on crosswalks, not only at the intersection but also at the corner where additional crosswalks may be present.
As an experienced driver, I usually think it's okay to turn right at a red light without an arrow, provided it's safe. Slow down at the intersection, scan left and right to ensure no pedestrians are crossing and no cars are coming, then proceed slowly. Always check for 'No Right Turn' signs—if there's one, you can't turn. I constantly remind myself not to rush, even when in a hurry, and to assess the road conditions first. Especially in urban areas with heavy traffic, I always check blind spots before turning right to avoid hitting pedestrians or e-bikes. Overall, this rule is practical and saves me a lot of waiting time at lights. But it's crucial to follow the rules, as one mistake could lead to trouble. Safe driving starts with me—small details make a big difference in safety.
