Do You Need to Observe Traffic Lights When Making a Right Turn Without a Right-Turn Signal?
3 Answers
Motor vehicles making a right turn need to observe traffic lights, which come in two types: circular traffic lights and arrow-shaped traffic lights. When encountering a circular light: If there is no sign prohibiting right turns when the red light is on: Observe the situation of vehicles and pedestrians, and you may proceed if it does not affect the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. If there is a sign prohibiting right turns when the red light is on: Right turns are not allowed. When encountering an arrow light: When the arrow light for the right-turn lane is red, vehicles are prohibited from making a right turn; when the arrow light for the right-turn lane is green, drivers may proceed. Laws and Regulations: According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," the regulations on traffic lights are as follows: Article 25, Paragraph 2 stipulates that traffic signals include traffic signal lights, traffic signs, traffic markings, and the direction of traffic police. Article 26 states that traffic signal lights consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition of passage, a green light indicates permission to proceed, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Article 38 states that vehicles and pedestrians shall follow traffic signals; when directed by traffic police on-site, they shall follow the direction of the traffic police; on roads without traffic signals, they shall proceed under the principle of ensuring safety and smooth traffic. Article 62 states that pedestrians crossing intersections or roads shall use crosswalks or pedestrian facilities; when crossing at intersections with traffic signal lights, they shall follow the instructions of the traffic signal lights; when crossing at intersections without traffic signal lights or crosswalks, or when crossing roads without pedestrian facilities, they shall proceed after confirming safety. Article 89 states that pedestrians, passengers, and non-motor vehicle drivers who violate road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road passage shall 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 road traffic signal lights will result in a deduction of 6 points. Right-Turn Precautions: Observe vehicles going straight from the left: When making a right turn, pay attention to both the right and left sides for oncoming vehicles. Observe vehicles making a left turn from the opposite direction: In addition to observing vehicles going straight, also check for vehicles making a left turn from the opposite direction. When making a right turn, pay attention to vehicles on the left, whether they are turning left or going straight, and let them pass first. Observe pedestrians: When making a right turn, in addition to crosswalks before the intersection, there may also be crosswalks at the corner. Pay attention to whether there are pedestrians on the crosswalks when making a right turn.
I've been driving for almost twenty years, and this kind of intersection situation is all too common. When there's no right-turn signal light, you definitely have to look at the main traffic light to decide your action. When the green light is on, you can turn right directly, but it's not unconditional—you must pay attention to whether there are vehicles going straight from the left or pedestrians crossing the sidewalk. When the red light is on, the law in our area allows right turns, but the condition is that the vehicle must come to a complete stop and ensure it's safe from all directions before moving. When I was a beginner, I also made the mistake of rushing to turn when the light was green, and a cyclist suddenly dashed out, nearly causing an accident. Since then, I've learned my lesson: slow down and scan all around before turning. Developing this habit can prevent many accidents. Traffic signals are the baton when driving; following the rules isn't a hassle but a responsibility to yourself.
I just got my driver's license a little over six months ago, and my instructor repeatedly emphasized this rule during lessons. If there's no dedicated right-turn signal, drivers must rely on the main traffic light for guidance. You can turn right directly on a green light, but you should slow down in advance and pay special attention to pedestrians on the crosswalk. When the light is red, you can't turn recklessly; most areas allow you to proceed after stopping and ensuring a safe gap. During my driving test preparation, I once forgot to check the light in a mock exam and was penalized by the examiner. Now that I drive daily, it's become second nature. 'Safety first' is the eternal principle—I always remind myself to 'slow down, slow down' at intersections, which helps reduce anxiety. With a bit more practice, it becomes natural. Driving isn't a game; rules must be strictly followed. Traffic laws aren't complicated; the key is to develop good habits to protect both yourself and others.
