What are the traffic rules for left and right turns?
2 Answers
When there are traffic signals, follow the signal instructions. If there are no signals, the following rules apply: when two vehicles are going straight, the vehicle on the right has the right of way; right-turning vehicles must yield to straight-going vehicles; right-turning vehicles must yield to left-turning vehicles. Regardless of whether there are traffic signals at an intersection, right-turning vehicles must yield to left-turning vehicles. Here are the details: 1. When two vehicles are going straight, yield to the right: At a crossroad, if both vehicles are going straight and there are no traffic signals, proceeding simultaneously is very dangerous. Therefore, the 'yield to the right' principle is established, giving the right of way to the vehicle on the right. This rule applies not only at intersections but also when vehicles on the left and right sides merge into the same lane—the vehicle on the right should be allowed to change lanes first. 2. Right-turning vehicles yield to straight-going vehicles: Right turns are usually not controlled by traffic lights, and the traffic flow in the opposite direction going straight is typically heavier than right-turning traffic. To ensure traffic efficiency, right-turning vehicles must yield to straight-going vehicles. At intersections without traffic signals, both left and right-turning vehicles must yield to straight-going vehicles. 3. Right-turning vehicles yield to left-turning vehicles: Regardless of whether there are traffic signals at an intersection, right-turning vehicles must yield to left-turning vehicles first.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the key rule for left/right turns is yielding priority. When making left turns at intersections, extra caution is needed - you must yield to oncoming straight-moving vehicles, especially at signalized intersections. Even when the light turns green, don't rush; wait until straight traffic clears before proceeding. Right turns are relatively simpler - you can turn on red unless prohibited by signage, but always watch pedestrian crossings carefully and yield to pedestrians first. During rush hour traffic jams when I need to make left turns, being too hasty often leads to fender benders, so remember to signal early. Unsignalized intersections are even more dangerous - come to a complete stop, observe all directions thoroughly before turning, and never take chances. In urban areas with complex traffic conditions, the fundamental rules remain unchanged: always respect pedestrian right-of-way and straight-moving traffic, prioritize safety first, and take it slow to avoid tickets.
