Can You Turn Right on a Red Straight Arrow?
2 Answers
Whether you can turn right when the straight arrow is red depends on the following specific situations: Cases where right turns are prohibited: Red arrow light. If both the straight arrow and the right turn arrow are red, right turns are prohibited; Circular red light. If there is a 'No Right Turn on Red' sign at the intersection, right turns are prohibited; Intersection has a no right turn sign; Cases where right turns are allowed: Except for the above situations, when the light is red, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not interfere with the passage of released vehicles or pedestrians. Traffic light indications: When the light is green, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not interfere with the passage of released straight-going vehicles or pedestrians; When the light is yellow, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed; When the light is red, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding.
I've been driving for over 20 years and often encounter this situation. The red straight arrow only applies to the straight direction - when it's lit, it means you can't proceed straight, but right turns are generally unaffected unless there's a dedicated right-turn red light or a 'No Right Turn' sign at the intersection. I remember once at a city intersection, the red straight arrow was on, I made a right turn without issue, but another driver who went straight got fined by traffic police. That's why I always remind myself to check signals carefully. Another safety habit for right turns: always slow down, stop completely to check for pedestrians crossing or oncoming traffic - safety comes first. Rules vary by location - some countries allow freer right turns on red, but in most parts of China it's permitted unless prohibited by signage. With experience, you realize traffic signals exist to reduce conflicts - understanding them clearly prevents many problems.
