Can You Turn Right at an Intersection Without a Right-Turn Arrow?

[AlessandraLynn]

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 roads behind and to your right. Arrow-Shaped Right-Turn Signal: If you encounter an arrow-shaped right-turn signal at an intersection, you cannot turn right when the red arrow is lit. Turning right in this situation will be considered running a red light. Circular Red Light with Additional Signage: At some intersections with complex traffic conditions, you may find additional signs above the traffic light indicating whether right turns are allowed 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 to turn right. 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 regulations regarding 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 states that traffic lights consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition, a green light indicates permission, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Article 38 states that vehicles and pedestrians must follow traffic signals. When directed by traffic police on-site, they must follow the police's directions. On roads without traffic signals, they should 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, they must follow the traffic signals. At unsignalized intersections or road sections without pedestrian facilities, they should cross only after confirming it is safe. Article 89 states that pedestrians, passengers, and non-motor vehicle drivers who violate road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road passage will be given a warning or fined between 5 and 50 yuan. Non-motor vehicle drivers who refuse to pay fines may have their vehicles impounded. Driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signals will result in a 6-point penalty. Right-Turn Precautions: Observe Straight-Moving Vehicles on the Left: When turning right, you must check both the right and left sides for oncoming traffic. Watch for Oncoming Left-Turning Vehicles: In addition to straight-moving vehicles, be aware of any vehicles turning left from the opposite direction. When turning right, yield to vehicles on your left, whether they are turning left or going straight. Look Out for 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.

[McDeclan]

Whether you can turn right at an intersection without a right-turn arrow depends on the specific situation. As someone who drives frequently and is familiar with traffic rules in various places, I can share that in most areas, if there is no dedicated right-turn signal but a regular traffic light, you can definitely turn right when the light is green. The situation becomes more complicated when the light is red—many countries like the U.S. allow right turns on red after coming to a complete stop, but some regions, such as cities in China, may require a green light for right turns. The key is to check for signs like 'No Right Turn' or 'No Right Turn on Red,' which clearly indicate restrictions. Additionally, always prioritize pedestrians and other vehicles, ensuring a safe distance when turning right and avoiding cutting in, especially during peak hours. New drivers are advised to review local traffic regulations to avoid fines or accidents.

[StCorey]

I live in a big city and often commute by car. At intersections without a right-turn arrow, I usually rely on the traffic lights to decide. When the light turns green, I feel safe to make a right turn; when it's red, I typically stop and wait. However, in places like ours where traffic can be heavy, if there's no sign prohibiting it, I sometimes make a slow right turn after stopping at a red light if it's safe and no cars are coming. But intersections can be complex—for example, if there are pedestrians on the crosswalk, I have to yield, or else it could lead to trouble. I also have to watch out for traffic cameras, as fines can be hefty in many areas. In short, driving requires flexibility—stay observant of your surroundings and avoid distractions.

[Kirk]

When I was learning to drive, I remember the instructor saying that the rules for turning right at intersections are actually quite flexible. Without a dedicated arrow signal, you can definitely turn right when the traffic light is green. As for turning right on red, it depends on local laws—for example, in the small town where I live, it's generally allowed after coming to a complete stop. But be careful, some busy intersections may have hidden signs like 'No Right Turn on Red,' and ignoring them could cost you points. Safety first—slow down and check your blind spots before turning right, especially when bicycles or motorcycles are present. Don’t just focus on the traffic light; overlooking actual road conditions can be risky.

[DianaLynn]

As a safety-conscious individual, I believe right turns at intersections require extra caution. Without dedicated turn arrows, turning right on a green light is permissible; during red lights, it becomes a judgment call—though I strongly advise against forcing turns in heavy traffic due to heightened collision risks. Always adhere to core principles: come to a complete stop, check both directions, and proceed only when confirmed safe. Pro tip: Novice or out-of-town drivers often overlook this nuance—consult local traffic apps by entering your location for real-time regulations. Never prioritize speed over safety—the consequences aren't worth it.