How to Drive at a Three-Way Intersection with Traffic Lights?

[DeKarter]

At a three-way intersection, if there are no no-entry signs and only one traffic light, follow the traffic rules accordingly. For international arrow lights, proceed as indicated by the arrow. If it is a circular light, you can go straight or turn left only when the light is green. If there is only one light for multiple lanes, follow the ground arrows. In cases with multiple indicator lights, obey the signals corresponding to each lane. Additional information is as follows: Composition of traffic lights: Traffic lights are signals that direct traffic flow, typically consisting of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light means stop, a green light means go, and a yellow light serves as a warning.

[LeDominic]

When driving through a traffic light at a three-way intersection, the most crucial thing is to clearly see the lights and lanes. First, look at the signal corresponding to your lane: if you're in a straight lane, focus on the round light or the straight arrow light—stop at red and go at green; for a left-turn lane, you must wait for the left-turn arrow to turn green before proceeding; for a right-turn lane, pay attention—if the round light is red but there's no 'no right turn' sign, you can usually turn right, but you must slow down and yield to pedestrians and straight-moving vehicles. Never try to rush through a yellow light, especially at intersections where lights change quickly—it's very easy to get into an accident. If there are multiple lanes, check the overhead road signs and ground markings to avoid choosing the wrong lane, especially at night or in rainy conditions with poor visibility. If you accidentally enter the wrong lane, don't slam on the brakes or swerve—safety comes first. Continue driving forward and find a place to make a U-turn.

[LeZane]

Last time I drove through a fork intersection and got caught for a violation, so now I pay extra attention to traffic lights. At such intersections, there are often separate left-turn signals, where the left-turn lane might still be red when the straight-ahead light turns green. Getting it wrong could cost you 6 points. Right turns are the most hassle-free—you can usually turn even on red, but you must watch out for pedestrians on crosswalks. I make it a habit to check the enlarged intersection view on my navigation app in advance, as some fork intersections have temporary red lights for right turns, especially near schools during certain hours. While waiting at the light, keep an eye on the rearview mirror—some e-bikes weave through traffic gaps, and sudden starts when the light changes can easily lead to a collision. In short, it’s better to wait for an extra green light cycle than to get a ticket.

[Sherri]

The rules for traffic lights at a three-way intersection are actually quite simple: go straight when the light is green, turn left when the arrow light is on, and check for any prohibition signs before turning right. If there's no dedicated right-turn signal, you can usually turn right on red, but you must yield to pedestrians and vehicles going straight. If there's heavy oncoming traffic, it's safer to wait until they've passed before turning. Malfunctioning or flashing yellow lights are rare, but remember to treat them like a roundabout—slow down and observe traffic from other directions. At intersections with many electric vehicles, it's best to check your blind spot before turning right. Don't rely too much on auto start-stop; if the car starts slowly and gets honked at by the vehicle behind, it can be unsettling.