Is Right Turn Not Restricted by Traffic Lights?
4 Answers
Right turns are not restricted by red lights in the absence of dedicated right-turn signals. However, right-turning vehicles must not impede the passage of vehicles or pedestrians that have been given the right of way. Below is more relevant information: According to Article 38 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, 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 impede the passage of through vehicles or pedestrians that have been given the right of way. 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.
I've found that right turn restrictions really vary by location. After driving for over 20 years, I know most places allow right turns on red after coming to a complete stop and checking for pedestrians or through traffic. In our town for example, it's permitted unless there's a red arrow signal or 'No Right Turn' pavement marking. Big cities like Beijing may enforce stricter rules, sometimes completely prohibiting turns during rush hours. Safety first - I once saw someone ticketed and nearly hit pedestrians for failing to stop. Green arrow signals naturally allow smoother turns. My advice: study local traffic manuals and watch for signal indications carefully. Never take risks - safety always outweighs saving time.
As a long-haul driver, I believe right turns aren't always free. The condition for turning right at a red light is that the intersection must be safe, with no pedestrians or bicycles interfering, and you must come to a complete stop to yield. However, some traffic lights have right-turn arrows; if it's red, you must wait for green. There are significant regional differences – I've noticed small villages allow right turns on red, while urban areas often have clear prohibitions. Additionally, extra caution is needed at night or in rainy/foggy conditions due to poor visibility and higher risks. Violating rules may lead to tickets or accidents. I emphasize always checking signs while driving, distinguishing between circular signals and arrows. Of course, you can turn freely at green lights. Make it a habit to slow down and observe first, protecting both yourself and others.
When I first started learning to drive, I was also confused about this. The instructor said that right turns can be made unconditionally on a green light, but on a red light, it depends: if there are no special arrows or prohibition signs, stop to check for no pedestrians or vehicles before slowly turning. However, rules vary by location—some roads in Shenzhen prohibit right turns on red, while rural areas are more lenient. Safety is crucial; ignoring the rules can cause trouble. On a green light, be careful not to cut in, and on a red light, be even more patient. Remember, road markings or traffic light shapes, like round vs. arrow signals, provide key hints. I lost points on my driving test for not remembering the rules clearly, so now I always look and stop more when driving.
