Do you need to look at traffic lights when turning right?
2 Answers
There are three situations where vehicles can turn right at a red light, as follows: Circular traffic light: If the circular traffic light at an intersection turns red, vehicles in the right-turn lane can turn right directly. However, you must be careful not to interfere with other vehicles, as well as pedestrians and vehicles on the road behind and to the right. Arrow-shaped right-turn indicator: If you encounter an arrow-shaped right-turn sign at an intersection, you cannot turn right when the red arrow is lit. If you turn right, you will be considered to have run a red light. Circular red light with an additional sign: At some intersections with complex road conditions, you may sometimes see a sign above the traffic light reminding drivers that right turns are allowed at a red light. If the sign says "Right Turn on Red," then you can turn right. If the sign says "No Right Turn on Red," you must wait for the green light before turning, otherwise it will be considered running a red light. Laws and regulations: According to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," motor vehicle traffic signals and non-motor vehicle traffic signals indicate: When the green light is on, vehicles are allowed to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of 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 traffic signals or pedestrian crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the instructions of the motor vehicle traffic signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed provided they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," the regulations on traffic lights are as follows: Article 25, Paragraph 2 states that traffic signals include traffic lights, traffic signs, traffic markings, and the directions of traffic police. Article 26 states that traffic lights consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition, a green light indicates permission, and a yellow light indicates a warning. Article 38 states that vehicles and pedestrians should follow traffic signals; when directed by traffic police on-site, they should follow the directions of the traffic police; on roads without traffic signals, they should proceed under the principles of safety and smooth traffic flow. Article 62 states that pedestrians crossing intersections or roads should use crosswalks or pedestrian facilities; when crossing at intersections with traffic signals, they should follow the traffic signals; when crossing at intersections without traffic signals or crosswalks, or when crossing roads without pedestrian facilities, they should proceed after confirming safety. Article 89 states that pedestrians, passengers, or non-motor vehicle drivers who violate road traffic safety laws or regulations regarding road passage will be given a warning or fined between 5 and 50 yuan; non-motor vehicle drivers who refuse to accept the fine may have their non-motor vehicles impounded. Driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signals will result in a 6-point penalty. Precautions for right turns: Pay attention to straight-moving vehicles on the left: When turning right, you need to observe both the right and left sides for oncoming vehicles. Pay attention to left-turning vehicles from the opposite direction: In addition to observing straight-moving vehicles, you also need to check for left-turning vehicles from the opposite direction. When turning right, pay attention to vehicles on the left, whether they are turning left or going straight, and let them pass first. Pay attention to pedestrians: When turning right, besides the crosswalk before the intersection, there may also be a crosswalk at the corner. Be sure to check for pedestrians on the crosswalk when turning right.
I always prioritize safety when driving, especially when making a right turn—I make sure to carefully check the traffic lights, as it’s too dangerous otherwise! When the light is green, you can turn directly, but at a red light, many places allow right turns as long as you yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. I’ve had a few close calls with sudden turns at intersections, but thankfully quick reflexes helped avoid accidents. I recommend developing the habit of slowing down early and observing the signals, particularly in congested urban areas where minor oversights can lead to scrapes. Also, stay alert to changing road conditions—like reduced visibility on rainy days—as failing to check the lights could result in violations or fines. Ultimately, driving isn’t a game; safety comes first. Cultivating this good habit can save you a lot of trouble.
