Can You Turn Right When the Straight Arrow Light is Red?
2 Answers
You can turn right when the straight arrow light is red. Here are the reasons why you can turn right when the straight arrow light is red: 1. If the arrow light only indicates straight and left turns without a right turn indication, you can still turn right when the straight arrow light is red. However, you must ensure not to interfere with straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians on the crosswalk, otherwise, you may receive a 2-point penalty and a fine of 200 yuan. 2. Since a full-circle light does not indicate direction, you can turn right on red as long as there is no 'No Right Turn' sign beside the circular light, but you must yield to straight-moving vehicles and pedestrians. Note: Whether turning right on a straight arrow red light or a full-circle red light, the vehicle must be in the rightmost motor vehicle lane. Otherwise, not driving in the correct lane may result in penalties and fines, and could easily lead to rear-end collisions.
As a new driver, I'm also quite mindful of these rules. Based on my understanding and local traffic regulations, a red straight arrow indeed means you cannot proceed forward, but whether a right turn is allowed depends on the specific situation. If there's no independent arrow signal or additional prohibition signs for the right turn direction, it might still be permitted; however, carefully check if there are signs like 'No Right Turn on Red' or ground markings at the intersection. When in doubt, I recommend observing the surroundings more, such as traffic flow and pedestrian conditions, to avoid taking risks. It's best for new drivers to carry a local traffic handbook or download an official driving app for reminders. Once, I almost got fined for attempting a right turn in a similar situation, but luckily I stopped to confirm it was safe. Safety comes first—it's better to wait a few more seconds for the green light, as protecting yourself is the primary principle of driving. Sharing this with everyone, learning these rule details makes driving more reassuring.
