Do you need to wait for the red light in the left-turn lane?
3 Answers
You need to wait for the red light when turning left. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from passing, and you cannot make a U-turn or left turn directly. Regulatory basis: The "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" has corresponding provisions: Article 38 states that motor vehicle signal lights and non-motor vehicle signal lights indicate: When the green light is on, vehicles are allowed to pass, but turning vehicles must not hinder the passage of released straight-going vehicles and pedestrians. When the yellow light is on: Vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to pass. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from passing. At intersections without non-motor vehicle signal lights or pedestrian crossing signal lights, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians shall follow the instructions of the motor vehicle signal lights.
I've been driving trucks for long-distance hauls for over 20 years, and there's no question that left-turn lanes must obey red lights. Traffic rules clearly state that at signalized intersections, you must follow the traffic signals. When the light turns red, you stop—no exceptions just because it's a dedicated turn lane. The only time you can proceed is if there's a green arrow pointing left, indicating you have the right of way to turn safely. But with a standard circular red light, you must wait until oncoming traffic clears or the light turns green. Remember, left turns face fast-moving straight traffic, and abrupt maneuvers can easily cause accidents. I've seen rookies trigger rear-end collisions by rushing lane changes—safety always comes first. Stay alert to signal changes and develop good habits to avoid trouble.
As a young driver who just got my license, I specifically learned this in driving school. Waiting at a red light in a left-turn-only lane is absolutely a must. The instructor repeatedly emphasized that traffic lights control the safety of the entire intersection—a red light means you must stop, whether you're going straight or turning left. The dedicated lane only gives you a specific position; it doesn't exempt you from the rules. You can only proceed when the arrow signal turns green; otherwise, wait patiently. The reason is simple: to prevent collisions with vehicles going straight, especially during peak hours when traffic is heavy—taking risks could cost lives. Last time I tried running a red light during a simulated drive, the virtual system immediately sounded an alarm. I recommend reviewing signal rules in the fourth driving test subject to avoid trouble.
