Do I Need to Wait for the Red Light When Turning Left?

[ONora]

Yes. Here are the precautions for waiting at a red light: 1. Maintain distance: When waiting at a red light, avoid getting too close to the vehicle in front. If the road is uneven, the driver ahead might forget to brake or engage the handbrake, causing their vehicle to roll back and collide with yours. Additionally, if the vehicle ahead is a large truck, keep an even greater distance—at least enough to see the traffic light yourself. 2. Stay observant: Continuously monitor the road to the left, the left rearview mirror, and the right rearview mirror. Always keep an eye on the surroundings and the road ahead. 3. Open the window: If your car has tinted windows and it's neither raining nor too sunny, it's best to open the window.

[OHannah]

Right after getting my driver's license, I was confused about whether to wait at a red light when turning left. My instructor emphasized that you must stop at red lights, whether going straight or turning. When turning left on green, you can proceed slowly but must yield to oncoming traffic going straight. I remember one time I was in a hurry to turn and almost hit a pedestrian - it was really scary! Since then, I've developed the habit: at intersections, I first check the light color - if it's red, I obediently stop and wait for the green light before turning. Safety comes first, don't try to save those few seconds. You'll get the hang of it after driving more - new drivers should practice more and not get nervous.

[LeCamille]

Having driven for over twenty years, I've witnessed too many accidents caused by left-turning vehicles not waiting for the red light. A red light is a stop command—whether you're going straight, turning left, or turning right, you must stop. A green light permits left turns, but you must yield to oncoming traffic. Some intersections have dedicated left-turn arrow signals, making the rules even clearer. I always remind myself while driving: patience at traffic lights ensures a safe journey home. Don't follow those who rush through lights—fines are minor, but collisions are major. Cultivate good habits to protect yourself and others.

[Roberto]

Traffic rules clearly state: You must stop and wait at a red light. This also applies to left turns unless there's a dedicated green left-turn arrow signal. A green light permits left turns, but you must yield to oncoming straight-moving traffic. Don't assume red lights only apply to straight-through traffic. Remember, coming to a complete stop at intersections is crucial to avoid risky maneuvers. Every time I drive, I double-check the signal color—safety is no trivial matter. In short, red means stop and green means go, with no exceptions for turns.