Can You Turn Right Without Looking at the Traffic Light?
2 Answers
It depends on the type of traffic light. If it's a circular light, you don't need to look at the traffic light, and you can turn right even when it's red. However, pay attention to any text signs. If there's a sign indicating that right turns are prohibited on red, then you must obey the traffic light. If it's an arrow-style traffic light with a right-pointing arrow, you must wait for the right-pointing arrow to turn green before turning right. Here are some additional details: 1. Yielding to pedestrians: A commonly overlooked violation when turning right is failing to yield to pedestrians. If pedestrians are crossing the road while you're turning right, you must stop and wait; otherwise, you may be fined. Additionally, if there are left-turning vehicles approaching while you're turning right, you must yield to them. In case of a collision, the right-turning vehicle bears greater responsibility. 2. Right turns must be made from the right-turn lane: On some roads, the right-turn lane is located on the far-right lane of the auxiliary road, while the main road may not have a dedicated right-turn lane. Turning right from the far-right lane of the main road in such cases is illegal. Therefore, to turn right at such intersections, you must enter the auxiliary road in advance. In some cases, the right-turn lane may not be on the far-right but in the middle, often seen near intersections shortly after an overpass exit.
As a young driver who drives frequently, I believe turning right without checking traffic lights is absolutely dangerous. Although right turns on red are permitted in some areas, the prerequisite is to come to a complete stop first and ensure the road is clear of vehicles and pedestrians. I often encounter situations like this: driving at night in the city, if I turn right directly without checking the light, it's easy to overlook suddenly appearing electric bikes or pedestrians. Once, I nearly hit a pedestrian crossing the street. Legally, right turns on red are a convenience for drivers, but the risks are too high—if an accident occurs, it's not just about fines or demerit points; it could endanger lives. Remember, no matter which road you're on, always stop and observe the traffic lights and surroundings—don't take chances. After ten years of driving, this habit has saved me a lot of trouble.