Do you need to wait for the red light when turning right at a fork?
2 Answers
You do not need to wait for the red light when turning right at a fork. No need to wait for the red light when a circular signal is set: At intersections with circular traffic signals or without any auxiliary signs, vehicles turning right do not need to wait for the red light. When the green light is on, vehicles are allowed to proceed, but turning vehicles must not hinder the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. Need to wait for the red light when the indicator is arrow-shaped: If the traffic light is arrow-shaped, you need to wait for the red light when turning right. When making a right turn, vehicles must drive in the right-turn lane. If a vehicle turns right from a straight or left-turn lane, it will increase traffic congestion and may be penalized by law enforcement for running a red light.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I believe whether to wait at a red light at a right-turn fork junction depends on the specific situation. At regular intersections, you can turn right on red but must yield to all vehicles and pedestrians; if there's a dedicated arrow signal showing red, you must stop. I remember once making a hasty turn at an urban fork junction without yielding and nearly hitting someone—since then, I've never taken such risks again. Safety is paramount, especially during heavy rain or at night when visibility is poor; it's better to patiently wait for the green light. I advise new drivers to pay close attention to road signs and not rush to save time. Rules vary significantly by location—smaller southern cities may be more lenient, while metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are stricter. With experience, you'll naturally learn the nuances. The key to daily driving is steadiness: better slow than hasty to avoid fines or accidents that cause stress.
