Do vehicles need to observe traffic lights when making a right turn at an intersection?
2 Answers
Generally, vehicles do not need to observe traffic lights when making a right turn, but the specific situation depends on the traffic signals at the time. More relevant information is as follows: 1. Types of traffic lights: Full circular lights, arrow-shaped lights, and single-direction signals where red and green circular lights apply. When the red light is on, all movements except right turns must stop and wait; when the green light is on, both straight and left turns are permitted. Arrow traffic lights are multi-directional signals, and drivers must follow the indicated direction. 2. Precautions: When making a right turn, stay in the right-turn lane, slow down, watch for pedestrians, and pay attention to surrounding signs. While waiting at a red light, to prevent rear-end collisions, shift to neutral and engage the handbrake to minimize vehicle damage. If the red light is about to turn green in a few seconds, shift to D (Drive) and apply the brakes. In some special road conditions, if the rightmost indicator light lacks a right-turn arrow, drivers should be particularly cautious.
To be honest, I was also confused by this question when taking my driver's license test. Now that I'm more experienced, I realize it depends: for circular red lights, you can usually turn right directly (unless there's a prohibition sign), but you must slow down and watch for pedestrians! When encountering an arrow red light, stop obediently - that illuminated red arrow is like drawing a prohibition line. Special reminder to check if there's a 'No Right Turn on Red' sign at the intersection, some intersections in Shanghai have this setting. Once in Hangzhou, I almost hit an electric scooter that rushed out from the crosswalk with green light when I was turning right without noticing. The safest way is to glance at the crosswalk and rearview mirror before turning, and turn while keeping your foot lightly on the brake.
