Is turning left from a straight lane considered running a red light?
2 Answers
It depends on the actual situation. When encountering lane lights with arrows: When the straight arrow is green but the left turn arrow is red, you cannot turn left, but you can enter the left turn waiting area. When the left arrow turns green, vehicles in that lane can turn left. When encountering an intersection with regular three-color traffic lights: You can turn left when the light is green, but you must yield to oncoming straight-moving vehicles; if the straight lane has already turned red, proceeding straight and then turning left is considered failing to obey the traffic signal, which means running a red light, resulting 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 traffic signals 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 signals or pedestrian crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle traffic signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed provided 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 arrow light is on, vehicles in that lane are prohibited from proceeding. The following situations do not constitute a violation when running a red light: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Giving way to ambulances, fire trucks, or other special vehicles. If caught on camera while yielding, manual review will not record the red-light violation. 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. Photos of the violation may be blurry, and accidental red-light running will not be penalized. Emergency situations: Transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital. After delivering the patient, provide proof from the hospital or the person assisted to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation record will be cleared. If possible, call an ambulance to avoid accidents caused by running a red light. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at key intersections. Drivers must follow the gestures of the traffic police.
After driving for so many years, I've seen many beginners make this mistake. When turning left from a straight lane with a red light, it's completely running a red light. The markings on the straight lane only allow going straight. If you force a left turn even when the light is red, the camera will capture the moment your wheels cross the stop line, resulting in a 200-yuan fine and 6 penalty points. That's not all—when turning at an intersection, other cars might suddenly appear, greatly increasing the chance of an accident. A friend of mine rear-ended someone because of this and spent thousands on repairs. Remember to choose the left-turn lane in advance. If you accidentally enter a straight lane, just go straight—it's better to make a detour than take the risk. Develop good habits: don’t get impatient at red lights, and check your mirrors to confirm safety.
