Do You Need to Wait for the Red Light When Turning Right at a Fork in the Road?
2 Answers
You need to wait for the red light when turning right at a right fork in the road. At intersections without dedicated right-turn signal lights, right-turning vehicles can proceed after yielding to vehicles from other directions and ensuring pedestrian safety. However, if there is a signal light indicating right turns, you must follow its instructions. Below are some related details: Benefits of setting a right-turn red light: Setting a right-turn red light can enhance motorists' awareness of yielding to non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians, reducing conflicts between right-turning vehicles and straight-moving non-motorized vehicles or pedestrians in the same direction, thereby preventing traffic accidents. Additionally, it can improve the traffic efficiency for straight-moving vehicles at intersections. For example, when the east-west straight-moving signal turns green (with right-turn red lights activated for 15 seconds in all four directions), the north-south right-turn signal remains red. This allows east-west straight-moving vehicles to pass through the intersection quickly, avoiding conflicts with north-south right-turning vehicles competing for the right of way.
Recently, I encountered a similar situation while driving at a fork in the road. It was during the evening rush hour, and the right-turn signal at the intersection was red, but there was no 'No Right Turn' sign. I instinctively slowed down to observe: first checking the crosswalk for any pedestrians or e-bikes darting out, then assessing the traffic flow on the main road. To be honest, at forks, right turns are usually allowed without waiting for the red light, provided you safely yield to all through traffic and pedestrians. However, specific intersections like Y-forks or those with dedicated arrow signals may require a full stop. That time, with light traffic and good visibility, I cautiously made the right turn without waiting for the red light. In daily driving, it's advisable to pay close attention to signal changes and roadside signs to avoid tickets or accidents. The key is to stay alert, as strategies may vary depending on the time of day.
