Can you turn right at an intersection without a right-turn arrow?

[StLayla]

You can turn right at a red light without a right-turn arrow. Under the following conditions, you can turn right at a red light: Circular traffic light, arrow-shaped right-turn indicator, or a circular red light with an additional sign. If there is an arrow signal light at the intersection, you can only turn right when the right-turn arrow is green; otherwise, turning right is not allowed. If there is a sign prohibiting right turns at a red light, you can only turn right when the light is green. If there are no other signs at the intersection, vehicles can turn right at a red light as long as it does 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 sign at an intersection, you cannot turn right when the red arrow is lit. Turning right under such 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 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 a 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 indicate: 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 states that traffic signals include traffic lights, traffic signs, road markings, and the directions of traffic police. Article 26 states that traffic lights consist of red, green, and yellow lights. Red means stop, green means go, and yellow serves as a warning. Article 38 states that 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 principle of ensuring safety and smooth traffic flow. Article 62 states that 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 states that pedestrians, passengers, or non-motor vehicle drivers violating road traffic laws and 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: Watch for straight-moving vehicles on 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, also check for 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, observe crosswalks not only at the intersection but also at the corner. Ensure no pedestrians are crossing before proceeding.

[VonCarlos]

At most intersections, if there is no dedicated right-turn arrow traffic signal, I can usually make a right turn directly as long as the light is green. However, when encountering a red light, extra caution is required: in many places (such as mainland China), right turns on red are permitted, provided that you yield to all straight-moving vehicles, bicycle lanes, and pedestrians—otherwise, you may face fines and penalty points. This is based on the Road Traffic Safety Law, which states that drivers may complete turns safely at intersections without prohibitory signs. With 20 years of driving experience, I always slow down and observe the traffic lights and surroundings before making a right turn at such intersections, ensuring clear visibility, especially during rainy weather or at night when mistakes are more likely. If the traffic signal malfunctions or a traffic officer is directing traffic, you must follow their instructions—otherwise, rash actions could lead to accidents and unnecessary trouble. In short, the key is to obey signals and right-of-way rules, prioritizing safety and avoiding mistakes due to nervousness or rushing.

[SanRhett]

In my daily driving, I often encounter intersections without right-turn arrows, where turning right is actually permitted. For example, last week at a crossroads, the traffic light was red but there was no prohibiting arrow, so I slowly made the right turn after ensuring no straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians were approaching. The key is to observe the traffic light color: a green light naturally allows it; at a red light, many cities permit right turns by default but require yielding to all others with priority. I always remind myself to slow down, check blind spots, and sometimes watch out for sudden appearances from bike lanes—otherwise, a camera capture could mean a traffic violation. For experienced drivers, this maneuver becomes second nature, while beginners might hesitate initially but will get the hang of it after a few tries. Safety tips include not accelerating to beat a yellow light—waiting for green is more prudent.

[NathanFitz]

When I first learned to drive, I was also confused about intersections without right-turn arrows. Now I understand that when the traffic light is functioning normally, you can turn right on a green light, and in most Chinese cities, you can also turn right on a red light if local regulations permit, but you must yield. From personal experience, I emphasize paying attention to pedestrians crossing the road, especially in school zones or busy commercial areas. In terms of operation, I always slow down, check the rearview mirror, and observe the traffic light before making a right turn to avoid penalties for minor mistakes. This is a basic driving skill that can be mastered with practice.