Is Right Turn on Red Considered Running a Red Light?

[DelDallas]

It depends. Some red lights prohibit right turns, requiring vehicles to stop behind the stop line and wait until right turns are permitted. If there is no prohibition on right turns, vehicles can turn right even when the red light is on, provided they do not interfere with pedestrians or vehicles from other directions. According to the relevant regulations of the "Road Traffic Management Regulations of the People's Republic of China": In the absence of special traffic instructions (such as traffic signs or police instructions), motor vehicles can turn right at a red light without it being considered a violation of running a red light. If there is a traffic sign prohibiting right turns when the red light is on, motor vehicles cannot turn right when encountering a red light. Note: At intersections with signs prohibiting right turns, vehicles must stop when the red light is on. Turning right in such cases is equivalent to running a red light. According to the latest 2013 version of traffic regulations, driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signals results in a 6-point penalty. To determine whether a vehicle has run a red light, electronic monitoring needs to capture three photos: the front wheels crossing the stop line, the rear wheels crossing the stop line, and the front wheels crossing the opposite stop line. If the right turn signal is a red arrow, the vehicle should stop behind the stop line and wait for the green light before proceeding. Turning right on a red arrow is considered running a red light. If the right turn signal is not a red arrow, right turns are permitted. Right Turn Precautions: While driving, plan and judge the route: Vehicles intending to turn right at the next intersection should enter the right-turn lane in advance. Generally, the rightmost one or two lanes are designated for right turns, as indicated by signs and road markings. Before entering the right-turn lane, remember to signal and observe the traffic behind. Right-turn lanes generally do not require stopping at red lights, allowing right turns as long as it is safe, except at intersections with specific right-turn signals where drivers must wait for the green light. During the right turn, always follow traffic rules: signal the right turn, slow down, and proceed with caution.