Should Left-Turning Vehicles Yield to Straight-Going Vehicles?
4 Answers
Left-turning vehicles should yield to straight-going vehicles. According to Article 51, Section 7 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": At intersections without directional signal lights, turning motor vehicles must yield to straight-going vehicles and pedestrians. Right-turning vehicles from the opposite direction must yield to left-turning vehicles. Motor vehicles passing through intersections controlled by traffic signal lights shall comply with the following rules: Enter the guiding lane in the desired direction: At intersections with marked guiding lanes, enter the guiding lane according to the intended direction of travel. Yield to vehicles already in the intersection: Vehicles preparing to enter a roundabout must yield to vehicles already in the intersection. Activate turn signals when turning: When turning left, stay close to the left side of the intersection center point. Activate turn signals when turning, and use low beams when driving at night. Proceed in order: When the signal permits, proceed in order. Stop behind the stop line when encountering a stop signal: When encountering a stop signal, stop in order behind the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop outside the intersection. Wait in order when awaiting signal permission: When turning right and encountering a vehicle in the same lane waiting for the signal, wait in order. Straight-going vehicles and pedestrians have the right of way: At intersections without directional signal lights, turning motor vehicles must yield to straight-going vehicles and pedestrians. Right-turning vehicles from the opposite direction must yield to left-turning vehicles. Some situations require special attention: Some intersections have dedicated left-turn traffic signals. Vehicles in the left-turn lane cannot turn left just because the straight-going signal is green; they must first move into the left-turn waiting lane and proceed only when the left-turn signal turns green. When approaching a curve on a steep slope: Reduce speed and sound the horn while proceeding slowly. Shift to a lower gear in advance to ensure sufficient climbing power and avoid shifting gears during the turn to prevent accidents. Choose the right timing for turning, aiming for a single smooth turn to avoid the need for reversing and increasing danger. In heavy fog or sandstorms: When driving and turning in such conditions, be fully aware of your surroundings. Turn on the front small lights and fog lights early, honk frequently to alert pedestrians and other vehicles, proceed slowly, and be prepared to brake and stop at any time. Turning on wet, snowy, or muddy roads: Use engine braking in advance to reduce speed and proceed slowly, avoiding sharp turns and sudden braking. When turning uphill, if other vehicles are stuck due to slipping and blocking the curve, park on the right side in advance and proceed only after the vehicles ahead have passed. When turning downhill and slipping, take care to prevent the vehicle from sliding and causing a collision. Turning at intersections: When turning left, drivers should signal early and stay as close to the center of the road as possible to facilitate vehicles behind and those turning right. When turning right, signal first, turn slowly, and be mindful of the inner wheel difference to prevent the right rear wheel from going off the road and hitting pedestrians or obstacles.
After driving for so many years, my deepest realization is that you must absolutely yield to oncoming traffic when making a left turn! Oncoming vehicles are fast, and a sudden collision is no joke. Last month, I was making a left turn downtown and almost collided with a taxi going straight because I didn’t yield—it scared me so much my palms were sweating. In fact, traffic laws clearly state that turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic, especially at intersections without traffic lights—you have to be extra cautious. Remember, when turning, check your mirrors first, then look over your shoulder for blind spots, and only turn the steering wheel after all oncoming vehicles have passed. Safe driving is no game—risking those few seconds could cost you a lifetime.
Back when I just got my driver's license, my instructor kept reminding me every day: left-turning vehicles must yield to through traffic! The instructor said through vehicles have the right-of-way priority, and if an accident occurs because the turning vehicle didn't yield, the police would definitely assign 100% fault to the turning driver. Now whenever I encounter a left turn situation while driving, I always slow down in advance to observe carefully, especially during rainy days with poor visibility - I'd rather wait an extra ten seconds. Don't be fooled by some experienced drivers who make quick turns by cutting in. If an accident really happens, aside from repair costs and compensation, your insurance premium will increase too - it's just not worth it. Developing the habit of yielding is especially important for new drivers.
Once when I was riding my e-bike straight through an intersection, I was almost hit by a left-turning car that didn't yield to me at all. Actually, what pedestrians and cyclists fear most are vehicles that don't yield when turning, especially during nighttime when visibility is poor. According to traffic regulations, left-turning vehicles must yield not only to oncoming traffic but also to straight-moving non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians. From a safety perspective, those going straight have difficulty predicting a turning vehicle's path, making accidents more likely to occur. I hope all drivers remember: the moment you turn the steering wheel, responsibility rests on your shoulders.
