Can you turn right when the straight signal is red?
3 Answers
You can turn right when the straight signal is red. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles are allowed to proceed provided they do not hinder the passage of released vehicles or pedestrians. The motor vehicle signal consists of a set of three circular units without patterns in red, yellow, and green; the non-motor vehicle signal consists of a set of three circular units with bicycle patterns inside in red, yellow, and green. When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of released 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 signals or pedestrian crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the instructions of the motor vehicle signal.
After driving for so many years, I think the issue of turning right on red is quite common. The key is to consider the specific road conditions and local regulations. In most urban areas, if the traffic light is red, you can usually turn right, but you must come to a complete stop, observe the traffic flow, and ensure there are no pedestrians, bicycles, or other vehicles before making a safe turn. There’s a prerequisite: there should be no signs prohibiting right turns or special signals, such as 'No Turn on Red' signs in some places. As a driver, I make it a habit to check the side mirrors and blind spots after stopping, especially at night or in rainy or foggy conditions when visibility is poor. Don’t rush the turn, or you might accidentally enter the road and cause an accident. Additionally, in school zones or near hospitals, the rules are stricter, and you must strictly follow the traffic signals to avoid fines. In short, safety comes first—always ensure everything is clear before turning right. You can also check traffic apps like Baidu Maps for real-time updates. Experience tells me that familiarizing yourself with local traffic rules can save a lot of trouble.
As a novice driver, I'm particularly cautious about right turns on red lights because the rules do vary by location. In many places, you can turn right on a red light, but you must ensure there are no conflicting situations before proceeding. This means coming to a complete stop, observing the surroundings, especially waiting for straight-moving vehicles and pedestrians to pass before slowly making the turn. If there are traffic islands or crosswalks on the road, you must proceed even more cautiously without cutting in. I once encountered traffic congestion at an intersection and had to check the traffic signal carefully for any 'No Turn on Red' signs before turning right; otherwise, it's easy to violate the rules. Safe driving is the top priority, so I always remind myself to pay attention to speed limits and signs to avoid accidents. When driving, it's important to stay aware of road conditions, plan routes in advance, and minimize distractions.
