Is it necessary to wait for the traffic light when turning right?

[McTessa]

If all traffic lights at the intersection are green, you can proceed with a right turn. However, if a red arrow pointing to the right is illuminated at the intersection, right turns are not permitted. Forcing a right turn in such a situation will be penalized as running a red light. The specific rules for right turns at traffic lights are as follows: No special signal lights: If the intersection only has standard circular traffic lights without any additional auxiliary signs, you can make a right turn as long as you ensure it does not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. Presence of right-turn signal lights: If the traffic lights are not the common "circular" type but arrow traffic lights, these clearly indicate the passage conditions for vehicles in each direction. A right turn is only allowed when the green arrow is lit. Dedicated right-turn lanes: Some intersections have "dedicated right-turn lanes." At these intersections, the rightmost lane generally does not permit right turns; instead, a separate right-turn lane is designated on the right side. Other prohibition signs: Some intersections may have additional signs, such as "No Right Turn" or "No Right Turn When Traffic Light is On." If these prohibition signs are present, right turns are also not allowed.

[EzraLynn]

Having driven for so many years, the traffic lights during right turns have always been a major issue for me. Generally speaking, you need to consider the specific situation—if the red light is on, most places allow you to make a right turn after coming to a complete stop, but you must yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. If there's a 'No Turn on Red' sign, you must wait for the green light. Of course, you can turn directly when the light is green, but be aware that some intersections have dedicated right-turn arrow signals, and you must stop when they're red. Driving in the city during rush hour, even if turning is allowed, I often pause longer to ensure there are no cars or pedestrians around, avoiding any potential collisions. During routine car inspections, I also check if the turn signals are working properly, as rules can vary by state. In short, developing the habit of checking the light first and then the surroundings ensures peace of mind and safety.

[Hannah]

I think whether to wait at a red light when turning right entirely depends on the driving environment and regulations. In my daily driving, I can turn right at a red light if there's no prohibition sign, but I must come to a complete stop to ensure safety—with a green light, I just proceed. However, safety is paramount, and I must emphasize never rushing any turn, especially during nighttime or rainy conditions with poor visibility—waiting for the green light is a wise choice. Additionally, check the traffic signal type: standard circular lights may offer flexibility, but arrow signals must be strictly obeyed based on their color. During my novice stage, I heavily relied on navigation prompts, but they don't always remind about this, so I later memorized local traffic laws myself to avoid fines. In short, patience and observation can prevent accidents—there's no need to rush on the road.

[DeSienna]

Do you need to wait for a traffic light when making a right turn? Generally, if it's safe to turn on red, you can proceed, but rules may vary. From my driving experience, when turning right on red, you must first stop and yield to all vehicles with the right of way. A green light presents the simplest opportunity. However, be mindful of red arrow signals, which require you to wait until they turn green. To expand on this, many intersections have cameras, and failing to pay attention may result in a ticket. As an average driver, I've developed the habit of slowing down and double-checking before turning, a practice that has helped me avoid trouble on multiple occasions.