Under What Circumstances Is a Right Turn Prohibited?
3 Answers
There are two situations where a right turn is not allowed at a traffic light intersection: First, vehicles are prohibited from making a right turn at intersections where right turns are explicitly forbidden. Second, right turns are also prohibited when the traffic signal is red. When making a right turn, vehicles must be in the right-turn lane. If a vehicle attempts to turn right from a straight or left-turn lane, law enforcement will treat it as running a red light and impose penalties accordingly. Therefore, if you intend to turn right, you should change lanes in advance. Otherwise, attempting to change lanes when the light is red may lead to crossing solid lines, which is a traffic violation and can cause traffic congestion. One prerequisite for making a right turn is that it should not affect the normal flow of traffic, and pedestrians on the crosswalk must be given the right of way. Legal Regulations: According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," the regulations regarding traffic signals are as follows: Article 25, Paragraph 2 states that traffic signals include traffic lights, traffic signs, road markings, and the directions of traffic police. Article 26 specifies that traffic lights consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition, a green light permits passage, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Article 38 requires that vehicles and pedestrians must follow traffic signals. If a traffic officer is directing traffic on-site, their instructions take precedence. On roads without traffic signals, passage should be made under the principle of ensuring safety and smooth traffic flow. Article 62 states that pedestrians should use crosswalks or pedestrian facilities when crossing intersections or roads. At signalized crosswalks, pedestrians must follow the traffic light signals. At intersections without signals or crosswalks, or when crossing roads without pedestrian facilities, pedestrians should proceed only after confirming safety. Article 89 stipulates that pedestrians, passengers, and non-motor vehicle drivers who violate road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road passage will be given a warning or fined between 5 and 50 yuan. Non-motor vehicle drivers who refuse to pay the fine may have their vehicles impounded. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses" (Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123), driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal rules will result in a deduction of 6 points. Right Turn Precautions: Observe oncoming straight-moving vehicles: When turning right, pay attention to both the right and left sides for approaching vehicles. Watch for opposing left-turning vehicles: In addition to straight-moving vehicles, be aware of any vehicles making a left turn from the opposite direction. When turning right, yield to vehicles on the left, whether they are turning left or going straight. Be mindful of pedestrians: When turning right, note that crosswalks may be present not only before the intersection but also at the corner. Always check for pedestrians on the crosswalk before proceeding.
Having driven for over a decade, I've encountered many no-right-turn scenarios. The most common is when the traffic light is red—you can't turn right unless there's a dedicated right-turn arrow signal or a sign explicitly permitting it; otherwise, wait for the green light. Another obvious case is when a large 'No Right Turn' sign is posted at the intersection—you must detour without taking chances, or you'll face fines. Some areas restrict right turns during rush hours, like 7-8 AM when heavy traffic could cause congestion; forcing a turn then often leads to tickets. You also can't turn right when pedestrians are crossing, especially when the crosswalk signal is green—always wait until they've safely passed. I once nearly hit an elderly person by rushing a right turn, and it still haunts me. Additionally, special zones like schools or hospitals may have extra restrictions—always check signs or follow navigation prompts, putting safety first. In short, develop the habit of observing road conditions to avoid violations.
I always feel extra cautious when making a right turn, as many accidents occur during this maneuver. The fundamental rule is no right turn on red unless permitted by signal. Pay close attention to signs – mandatory "No Right Turn" signs must be obeyed; ignoring them carries extreme risks. The critical point is watching for pedestrians: never turn right when people are crossing zebra crossings; wait patiently until all have cleared. Conditions worsen in poor weather – heavy fog or rain drastically reduce visibility, making blind right turns potentially deadly. Once during night driving, I nearly hit a child while rushing a right turn without proper visibility, only avoiding tragedy by emergency braking. Thus, defensive driving is paramount: at complex intersections, pause to ensure all directions are clear before proceeding. Never gamble safety to save seconds. Prioritizing caution ensures you arrive home safely.
