It depends on the actual situation. When encountering lane signals with arrows: If the straight arrow is green but the left turn arrow is red, you cannot make a left turn, but you can enter the left-turn waiting area. When the left arrow turns green, vehicles in that lane can proceed with the left turn. When encountering a standard three-color traffic light intersection: You can make a left turn when the light is green, but you must yield to oncoming straight-moving vehicles. If the straight signal has already turned red and you proceed to make a left turn directly, this is considered failing to obey the traffic signal, i.e., running a red light, which results in a 6-point penalty and a fine. According to Article 38 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" (State Council Order No. 405), motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle traffic signals indicate: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should proceed according to the motor vehicle traffic signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Article 40 states that lane signals indicate: When the green arrow light is on, vehicles in that lane are permitted to proceed in the indicated direction. When the red cross or arrow light is on, vehicles in that lane are prohibited from proceeding. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other special vehicles. If captured by surveillance cameras while yielding, the act of running the red light will not be recorded during manual review. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is so low that even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights. The photos of the violation may be blurry, and if you accidentally run a red light, the traffic police will not impose a penalty. Emergency situations: Transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital. After delivering the patient, you can provide proof from the hospital or the person being assisted to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation record will be cleared. If possible, it is best to call an ambulance to avoid running a red light and causing a traffic accident. Police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at important intersections. Drivers should follow the hand signals of the traffic police.
