Can You Turn Right at a Round Red Light?
1 Answers
There are three scenarios where vehicles can turn right at a red light, as detailed below: Round Traffic Light: If the round 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 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. Round Red Light with Additional Signage: At some complex intersections, you may find additional signage above the traffic light indicating whether right turns are permitted during a red light. If the sign says "Right Turn on Red," you may proceed. If it says "No Right Turn on Red," you must wait for the green light. 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 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 obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," the rules regarding traffic lights are as follows: Article 25, Paragraph 2 states that traffic signals include traffic lights, traffic signs, road markings, and the directions of traffic police. Article 26 specifies that traffic lights consist of red, green, and yellow lights. Red indicates prohibition, green indicates permission, and yellow serves as a warning. Article 38 requires that vehicles and pedestrians must follow traffic signals; when directed by traffic police on-site, they must follow the police's instructions; on roads without traffic signals, they should proceed under the principles of safety and smooth traffic flow. Article 62 states that pedestrians crossing intersections or roads should use crosswalks or pedestrian facilities; at signalized crosswalks, they must follow the traffic signals; at unsignalized intersections or road sections without pedestrian facilities, they should cross only after confirming safety. Article 89 stipulates that pedestrians, passengers, or non-motor vehicle drivers violating road traffic safety laws or regulations 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. Driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signals results in a 6-point penalty. Right-turn Precautions: Observe 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: Besides straight-moving vehicles, also be aware of any left-turning vehicles from the opposite side. Yield to both left-turning and straight-moving vehicles from the left before proceeding. 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.
