
Running a red light when turning right: On a right-turn road with traffic lights, when the right-turn traffic light is red, it is considered running a red light. According to Article 40 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Lane traffic signals indicate: When the green arrow light is on, vehicles in this lane are allowed to proceed in the indicated direction; when the red cross-shaped light or arrow light is on, vehicles in this lane are prohibited from proceeding. Article 41: The arrow directions of directional signal lights indicate left turn, straight, and right turn when pointing left, upward, and right, respectively. If it is an arrow light, you cannot turn right when it is red; if it is a full-screen light, you can generally turn right when it is red. According to Article 38 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law": When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed provided they do not hinder the passage of released vehicles and pedestrians. To determine whether a vehicle has run a red light, electronic eyes need to capture three photos. These are: the front wheels crossing the stop line, the rear wheels crossing the stop line, and the front wheels crossing the opposite stop line. If the right-turn signal light is a red arrow, the vehicle should stop within the stop line and wait for the green light before proceeding. Turning right when the right-turn arrow is red is considered running a red light. If the right-turn signal light is not a red arrow, turning right is allowed. When the full-screen light is red, the following situations must be noted; otherwise, 6 points may be deducted. Special instructions: When the red light is on, turning right is prohibited: If there is an auxiliary sign next to the full-screen light stating: "No right turn when red light is on," or a no-right-turn sign, even if it is a full-screen red light, turning right is not allowed. Otherwise, it will be penalized as running a red light, with 6 points deducted. When turning right, yield to pedestrians: Although turning right is allowed with a full-screen light, always remember to yield to pedestrians. Otherwise, a fine will be imposed, and 3 points will be deducted. Straight lanes: No right turns allowed: When turning right, you must be in the right-turn lane. You cannot turn right from a straight lane. Only in a right-turn lane or a lane that allows both straight and right turns can you turn right. Turning right from a straight lane is considered not following the guided lane, resulting in a 2-point deduction.

Running a red light while making a right turn refers to the act of turning right directly without permission when facing a red traffic signal. In some places, such as certain states in the U.S., right turns on red are allowed, but only after coming to a complete stop and ensuring safety. However, in most cities in China, this is a violation, and drivers must wait for a green light or a special sign permitting the turn. From the perspective of traffic rules, this violates safety regulations because a red light inherently signals the requirement to stop and wait. Ignoring it increases the risk of accidents, such as potential collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles crossing legally. Law enforcement monitors this behavior through cameras or police patrols. If caught, drivers typically face fines of over 200 yuan and even demerit points. Repeated violations may lead to license suspension or mandatory traffic education. As a driver, I emphasize the importance of developing the habit of checking the traffic signal before turning, ensuring it is safe and unobstructed, to avoid unnecessary trouble and danger.

When you make a right turn at a red light without slowing down, that's a classic case of running a red light while turning right. This behavior is quite common in driving—many drivers take the risk when they see few cars at the intersection, thinking it's no big deal. However, it's extremely dangerous. Think about it: a red light means stop, and suddenly turning could lead to collisions with pedestrians crossing the road or oncoming vehicles, especially at night or in rainy/foggy conditions when visibility is poor. According to traffic regulations, this is called "violating traffic signal instructions," and if caught by traffic cameras, it results in a 2-point deduction and a fine of 100 to 200 RMB. I advise all drivers to follow the rules: slow down and check before turning, ensure there are no obstacles, and never sacrifice safety for convenience. Practice observation skills regularly, and new drivers should display a "new driver" sticker to remind others to be patient.

Turning right on a red light essentially means the driver makes a right turn directly without obeying the traffic signal when the light is still red and hasn't turned green. Driving like this is too reckless. The rules clearly state that you must see a green light or an allowed sign before turning. Common reasons include drivers being in a hurry or distracted by their phones, often leading to accidents like scraping against electric bikes. The consequences range from fines and demerit points to being fully liable for accidents and paying for vehicle repairs. Having driven for many years, I've witnessed this several times and suggest everyone patiently wait for the signal for a safer drive.


