Can You Turn Right on a Red Light While Driving?
1 Answers
There are three scenarios where vehicles can turn right on 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 directly. 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 sign at a crossroads, 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 road conditions, you might find a circular red light accompanied by a sign indicating whether right turns are permitted. If the sign says 'Right Turn on Red Allowed,' then you may turn right. If it says 'No Right Turn on Red,' you must wait for the green light; turning right on red is prohibited. 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 hinder 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 hinder 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, 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 must follow traffic signals. In the presence of traffic police directing traffic, their instructions take precedence. On roads without traffic signals, movement should be based on ensuring safety and smooth 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 crosswalks, pedestrians should cross only after confirming safety. Article 89 stipulates that pedestrians, passengers, and non-motor vehicle drivers violating road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road usage will 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 Oncoming Straight-moving Vehicles: When turning right, check both the right and left sides for vehicle traffic. Watch for Oncoming Left-turning Vehicles: Besides straight-moving vehicles, also be aware of any left-turning vehicles from the opposite direction. During a right turn, yield to vehicles coming from the left, whether they are turning left or going straight. Be Mindful of Pedestrians: When turning right, note that crosswalks may be present not only in front of the intersection but also at the corner. Always check for pedestrians on these crosswalks before proceeding.
