Not necessarily, it depends on the actual situation. When encountering a lane light with an arrow: 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 a regular three-color traffic light: 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 and you proceed directly to turn left, it is considered failing to obey the traffic signal, i.e., running a red light, which results 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 allowed to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of straight-moving 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. At intersections without non-motor vehicle 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 if they do not obstruct the passage of vehicles or pedestrians that have been given the right of way. Article 40 states that lane traffic signals indicate: When the green arrow light is on, vehicles in that lane are allowed to proceed in the indicated direction. When the red arrow light is on, vehicles in that lane are prohibited from proceeding. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: When yielding to emergency vehicles such as ambulances or fire trucks. If captured by surveillance cameras for violating traffic rules while yielding, manual review will not record the act of running a red light. 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. The photos capturing the violation may be blurred, and if you mistakenly run a red light, the traffic police will not impose a penalty. Emergency situations: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, citizens can provide proof from the hospital or the rescued individual to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation record can be expunged. If possible, it is best to call an ambulance to avoid traffic accidents caused by running a red light. Police direction: During peak commuting hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at important intersections. Drivers must follow the hand signals of the traffic police.
