Is it allowed to turn right at a traffic light intersection without any signs?
2 Answers
At a traffic light intersection without any signs indicating that right turns are allowed, turning right without affecting the straight-moving vehicles traveling in the same direction is not illegal. Violations of traffic rules will be penalized with 3 demerit points, a warning, or a fine. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Article 44: When motor vehicles pass through intersections, they shall proceed in the direction indicated by traffic signals, traffic signs, traffic markings, or the command of traffic police. Here is additional information: 1. Article 44 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China: When motor vehicles pass through intersections, they shall proceed in the direction indicated by traffic signals, traffic signs, traffic markings, or the command of traffic police; when passing through intersections without traffic signals, traffic signs, traffic markings, or the command of traffic police, they shall slow down and yield to pedestrians and vehicles with the right of way. 2. Article 45: Motor vehicles shall not overtake or occupy the opposite lane when queued or moving slowly in front. Motor vehicles shall alternate passage in sections or intersections with reduced lanes, or at intersections without traffic signals, traffic signs, traffic markings, or the command of traffic police to stop, queue, or proceed slowly. 3. Article 46: Motor vehicles passing through railway crossings shall proceed according to traffic signals or the command of management personnel; in the absence of traffic signals and management personnel, they shall slow down or stop to ensure safety before proceeding. 4. Article 47: Motor vehicles shall slow down when passing through pedestrian crossings; when pedestrians are crossing, they shall stop and yield. Motor vehicles shall yield to pedestrians crossing the road where there are no traffic signs.
Many new drivers find this issue confusing. I remember during my driving test, the instructor specifically explained this rule. Simply put, at intersections with traffic lights, you can usually turn right on a red light unless there's a 'No Right Turn' sign. The key is whether the traffic light is a circular one - if it's a circular red light without a no-turn sign, right turns are permitted by default. However, you must be especially careful about pedestrians; right turns must always yield to pedestrians first, as some people jaywalk without looking. Once I almost hit a pedestrian downtown who was crossing against the light while looking at their phone - now I always slow down and exercise extra caution when making right turns. Also, regulations may vary between cities, so it's advisable to check local traffic rules beforehand. If there's a 'No Right Turn' sign or a red arrow signal at the intersection, you absolutely cannot turn.
