Under what traffic light conditions can you make a right turn?
2 Answers
There are three scenarios where vehicles can make a right turn at a red light, as detailed below: Circular traffic light: When the circular traffic light at an intersection turns red, vehicles in the right-turn lane can proceed to make a right turn. However, you must ensure not to interfere with other vehicles, as well as pedestrians and vehicles on the road behind and to the right. Arrow-shaped right-turn indicator: If you encounter an arrow-shaped right-turn signal at a crossroad, you cannot make a right turn when the red arrow is lit. Turning right under these conditions will be considered running a red light. Circular red light with an additional sign: At some complex intersections, you might see a sign above the traffic light indicating whether a right turn is allowed during a red light. If the sign says "Right Turn on Red," then you can proceed. If it says "No Right Turn on Red," you must wait for the green light before turning; otherwise, it will be considered running a red light. Laws and regulations: According to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," 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 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 other vehicles or pedestrians. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," the regulations regarding traffic lights are as follows: Article 25, Paragraph 2 states that traffic signals include traffic lights, traffic signs, traffic markings, and the directions of traffic police. Article 26 states that traffic lights consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition, a green light indicates permission, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Article 38 states that vehicles and pedestrians must follow traffic signals. If a traffic police officer is directing traffic on-site, their directions must be followed. On roads without traffic signals, passage should be based on the principles of 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 signals. At intersections without traffic signals or crosswalks, or when crossing roads without pedestrian facilities, pedestrians should ensure safety before proceeding. Article 89 states 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. Motor vehicle drivers who violate traffic signal regulations will be penalized with 6 demerit points. Right-turn precautions: Observe straight-moving vehicles on the left: When making a right turn, you should check both the right and left sides for oncoming traffic. Watch for left-turning vehicles from the opposite direction: In addition to straight-moving vehicles, you should also check for left-turning vehicles from the opposite direction. When turning right, yield to vehicles coming from the left, whether they are turning left or going straight. Pay attention to pedestrians: When making a right turn, be aware that crosswalks may be present not only before the intersection but also at the corner. Always check for pedestrians on the crosswalk before proceeding.
When I first got my driver's license, I was also confused about the right-turn rules. Actually, you can't just make a right turn at any red light—it depends on the situation. At standard intersections, if the red light is a regular circular one without a 'no right turn' sign, you can slow down, stop, and then turn right, but you must yield to pedestrians crossing the street and vehicles going straight. Some intersections have arrow signal lights, like when a red right arrow is lit—that strictly prohibits right turns, and you must wait for the green light. New drivers often make mistakes here; I once did and almost scraped the curb. My advice is to carefully observe intersection signs and light types—following traffic rules ensures safe driving. Remember, low speed is key when turning, and blind spots make it easier to overlook details.
