Can You Turn Right on a Yellow Light?
3 Answers
Generally, you can proceed unless it's a new-style red right-turn arrow signal or any of the old-style red-green-yellow circular signals is lit. There are three situations where you cannot turn right: When there is a sign stating "No right turn on red": because the yellow light is on without crossing the stop line, missing the opportunity to proceed. When there is an oncoming left-turning vehicle from the opposite direction: because left turns have priority over right turns when both vehicles are turning. When there is a straight-moving vehicle in the left lane: because straight-moving vehicles have priority over turning vehicles. In simpler terms, you can usually proceed, but if the intersection has a right-turn traffic light or signs indicating restrictions, vehicles that have not passed the stop line cannot proceed.
I've been driving for almost twenty years and often encounter situations where I need to make a right turn on a yellow light. Just last week, at a busy intersection, the light turned yellow as I was about to turn right. The car behind me was following closely, and a sudden stop could have caused an accident, so I slowed down and made the turn cautiously. Based on my experience, a yellow light doesn’t mean you can’t turn right—it’s a warning to either stop or proceed with caution. If you’re too close to the intersection to stop safely, continuing the turn is legal; but if you can stop, do so—don’t take unnecessary risks. Pedestrian safety is the top priority—always scan the crosswalk before turning to confirm no one is there. Once, I nearly hit a jaywalker, which reminded me of the importance of driving slowly and steadily. Local rules may vary slightly—for example, enforcement is stricter in big cities, so pay extra attention to signs near traffic signals. In the end, the lessons learned from your own driving experience matter most—prioritize safety, and you’ll be fine.
As a driving safety enthusiast, I emphasize that the core of turning right on a yellow light is safety. When the signal turns yellow, it's a warning, not an extension of the green light. When making a right turn, the top priority is to stop or assess whether it's safe to proceed: if you're 30 meters from the intersection and driving slowly, you can definitely stop; but if you've already entered the intersection or have a vehicle closely following behind, stopping could cause an accident, in which case you should proceed with a slow turn. The key is comprehensive observation—look left and right, and don't miss any pedestrians or vehicles. I've seen accidents happen because drivers made hasty turns without noticing pedestrians, with serious consequences. Legally, traffic laws permit cautious passage, but improper maneuvers can lead to demerit points or fines. Drivers have a responsibility to prevent risks, especially at night when lighting is poor—an extra ounce of caution reduces danger.
