Is it correct to yield to left-turning vehicles when going straight?

[LeNorah]

Yielding to left-turning vehicles when going straight is the correct behavior. Here are the relevant details: 1. Regulations: According to Articles 51 and 52 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" (State Council Order No. 405), when motor vehicles pass through intersections without directional signal lights or intersections without traffic signal control or traffic police direction, turning motor vehicles must yield to vehicles and pedestrians going straight. For vehicles traveling in opposite directions, right-turning vehicles must yield to left-turning vehicles. Therefore, under the same conditions of permission to proceed, left-turning vehicles must yield to vehicles going straight. 2. Precautions: When both traffic signals allow passage, turning vehicles must yield to vehicles going straight. For vehicles traveling in opposite directions turning in the same direction, right-turning vehicles must yield to left-turning vehicles.

[JoannaMarie]

I've been driving for over twenty years and know this rule well. In China's traffic regulations, yielding to left-turning vehicles when going straight is incorrect; the correct practice is left-turning vehicles yielding to straight-going ones. The reason is simple: at intersections, straight-going vehicles usually have priority because their path is more direct and their speed is higher, while left-turning vehicles need to wait for a gap to turn. Not following this rule can easily cause confusion or even accidents. From my experience, a common scenario is at intersections without traffic lights, where impatient left-turning drivers often cause collisions or traffic jams by not waiting for straight-going vehicles. I always pay special attention to this rule when driving on mountain roads or highway exits to avoid sudden braking. Safety comes first, and learning traffic rules helps everyone drive with more confidence.

[VonTeagan]

As a driver who prioritizes road safety, I must say that the misconception of yielding to left-turning vehicles when going straight is dangerous. The correct rule is that left-turning vehicles should yield to those going straight, because straight-moving vehicles have a determined direction and higher speed, while left turns involve crossing lanes and carry greater risks. In my actual driving, I adhere to this principle: when going straight, do not stop arbitrarily to yield to left-turning vehicles to avoid rear-end collisions or chain reactions. During peak traffic, I advocate for courtesy without compromising principles; the key to preventing accidents is anticipation and maintaining a safe distance. Consider everyday scenarios—following this rule at uncontrolled intersections can significantly reduce minor collisions. At the same time, I remind new drivers to practice intersection observation more often, as this will make traffic safer and smoother.

[Yarrow]

When I first started learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized this rule: straight-going vehicles must not yield to left-turning ones. The correct practice is left-turning vehicles yielding to straight-going traffic, especially during driving tests where ignoring this rule may result in point deductions or retakes. As a beginner, I once made this mistake by hesitating to yield to a left-turning car at an intersection while going straight, which nearly caused an accident. Since then, I've strictly followed the rule: maintaining speed and avoiding unnecessary stops when going straight, and waiting for all straight-going vehicles to pass before making a left turn. This rule is based on fundamental traffic logic, prioritizing straight movement to ensure efficiency and safety. Sharing my lesson: many beginners often make similar mistakes on the road, but adhering to this rule is crucial. Always check your rearview mirrors, stay patient, and never rush.