Can You Turn Right on a Yellow Light?
4 Answers
Generally, it is permissible to proceed unless there is a new-style red right-turn arrow signal or under any of the old-style red, green, and yellow circular signal lights. Below is the principle of how electronic cameras capture red-light running: First photo: When the front wheels of the vehicle pass over the induction coil on the ground, the electronic camera takes the first photo of the vehicle. Second photo: When the rear wheels of the vehicle pass over the induction coil on the ground, the electronic camera takes the second photo of the vehicle. Third photo: When the vehicle passes through the intersection and crosses the induction coil on the opposite side of the ground, the electronic camera takes the third photo of the vehicle. Below is additional related information: Penalty: Running a red light is a violation of traffic signal rules. Motor vehicle drivers who violate traffic signal rules at intersections will be subject to corresponding penalties. Red-light running: Normally, if you can stop the vehicle after crossing the stop line, you will not be penalized for crossing the line. However, if you do not stop but continue forward, you will be penalized for running a red light.
Whether you can turn right at a yellow light depends on the situation. First, check if there's a dedicated right-turn arrow signal at the intersection. If there is and it's yellow, you must definitely wait behind the stop line. If it's just a circular yellow light, according to traffic rules, vehicles that haven't crossed the stop line should stop. However, in practice, many drivers feel it's okay to turn right on yellow as long as they carefully observe oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing, without rushing those few seconds. Especially in rainy or foggy conditions with poor visibility, I'd rather wait through one more red light than take the risk. Remember, safety always comes first. Sometimes, rushing through a yellow light might get you caught by traffic cameras, resulting in points deducted and fines, which really isn't worth it.
This question reminds me of a situation I encountered while driving. In theory, making a right turn during a yellow light doesn't count as running a red light, but it depends on the specific location. Some cities explicitly require stopping at yellow lights, while others have more lenient enforcement. The key factor is your vehicle's position at that moment: if your car has already crossed the stop line, turning directly is generally fine; but if you're far away and accelerate through, it might be considered a violation. Also, check for no-right-turn signs or special time restrictions. I recommend new drivers simply stop at yellow lights until they gain enough experience to judge situations. After all, every intersection is different - pedestrians suddenly crossing or electric bikes cutting in can be dangerous.
The issue of turning right on a yellow light is quite controversial. Legally speaking, traffic laws stipulate that vehicles that have not crossed the line when the yellow light is on cannot continue to pass, and right turns must also comply with this rule. However, in actual driving, it is found that many experienced drivers habitually turn right, because at ordinary round light intersections, right turns are allowed on red lights, and yellow lights seem to be more lenient. But I have checked the information, and the traffic police department has clearly stated that rushing through a yellow light is a traffic violation, and cameras will still impose penalties if caught. Personal experience suggests observing the road conditions: if there are no cars following behind, it's better to stop and wait for the green light; if stopping might cause a rear-end collision, then proceed slowly but must yield to pedestrians. In the end, safe driving is more important than anything else.
