Can you turn right at a Y-intersection with one red light?

[DeCarlos]

Turning right is allowed when there is no explicit arrow signal at the red light. At such intersections, you can proceed directly to turn right. If the red light has a clear arrow signal, you must obey the traffic light to turn right at that intersection. In most urban road intersections, right turns are permitted during a red light, but some special intersections require adherence to the traffic signal for right turns, usually indicated by signs to alert drivers. When driving on general urban roads, as long as you do not speed, run red lights, smoke while driving, use a phone, and fasten your seatbelt, you will not commit any traffic violations. Laws and Regulations: 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 specifies that traffic lights consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition, a green light permits passage, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Article 38 requires vehicles and pedestrians to follow traffic signals. If a traffic officer is directing traffic on-site, their instructions must be followed. On roads without traffic signals, passage should be made 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 intersections without signals or crosswalks, or when crossing roads without pedestrian facilities, pedestrians should ensure safety before proceeding. Article 89 stipulates that pedestrians, passengers, or non-motorized vehicle drivers who violate road traffic safety laws or regulations regarding road passage may receive a warning or a fine ranging from 5 to 50 yuan. Non-motorized vehicle drivers who refuse to pay the fine may have their vehicles impounded. Motor vehicle drivers who violate traffic signal rules will receive 6 penalty points. Right-Turn Precautions: Observe oncoming straight traffic: When turning right, check both the right and left sides for vehicles. Watch for opposing left-turning vehicles: In addition to observing straight-moving vehicles, be aware of any left-turning vehicles from the opposite direction. 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, not only at the intersection but also at the corner where another crosswalk may be present.

[Nunes]

I've been driving for over thirty years and have had plenty of experiences making right turns at red lights, especially at Y-intersections. Legally, it's allowed—Chinese traffic regulations permit right turns on red unless there's a 'No Right Turn' sign. However, at Y-intersections, you need to be extra cautious because the road layout can be tricky, like when curves limit your visibility. In such cases, never rush the turn. I once had a close call at a Y-intersection in Shenzhen when I didn’t notice a pedestrian darting out. So my advice is: slow down almost to a stop before turning right, check for vehicles and pedestrians from the left and opposite directions, and prioritize safety. Also, while big cities like Beijing are more lenient, smaller towns may have stricter traffic enforcement. Downloading a traffic app to check real-time rules can help avoid tickets. Developing good habits saves a lot of hassle.

[JulianRose]

As someone who has studied traffic regulations for years, let me explain in detail. According to the 'Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China', vehicles are allowed to turn right at a red light unless there is a specific prohibition sign such as a 'No Right Turn on Red' indicator. For Y-shaped intersections, they are essentially similar to T-junctions, with no additional restrictions in the rules; the key is to observe on-site signs and traffic signals. In practical operation, drivers must yield to pedestrians and vehicles from other directions before turning right to avoid accidents caused by rushing. There are differences between cities: some areas in Shanghai prohibit right turns on red by default, while Guangzhou is more lenient. It is recommended that drivers familiarize themselves with local traffic rules and, if necessary, stop to consult traffic police to ensure compliance without delaying their journey.

[DominicFitz]

Safety should always be the core of driving, requiring extra caution even when turning right at a Y-intersection with a red light. I constantly remind friends and family not to let their guard down: pedestrians have the right of way during green lights, and drivers bear greater responsibility when turning right, as collisions can easily lead to serious accidents. At Y-intersections, the angled perspective demands early deceleration and blind-spot checks—for example, turning on lights and slowing down gradually in rain or at night. Personally, I always pause for about a second before turning to confirm safety, as regret comes too late after an incident. Also, note that some intersections may lack prohibition signs but have cameras capturing violations; fines are minor compared to potential hazards. Cultivating safety awareness matters more than rushing to your destination.