What to do if you pass through the red light in the waiting turn lane?
4 Answers
If you pass through the red light in the waiting turn lane, it is not considered a violation as long as you continue driving forward safely. However, if the entire vehicle stops on the pedestrian crossing, it counts as running a red light. Note that you should yield to pedestrians when the stop line is in front of the crosswalk. If the vehicle has already passed the stop line and entered the waiting zone when the red light turns on, staying in place without moving may be considered a violation of traffic signal regulations. In this case, you should continue driving forward safely. Although traffic laws do not explicitly prohibit entering the left-turn waiting area during a red light, it is still a violation of traffic signals. Vehicles are only allowed to enter the waiting area when either the waiting turn signal, the straight signal, or both are green. Otherwise, it constitutes running a red light, which carries a penalty of 6 demerit points and a fine. Typically, such waiting zones are set up at large intersections to improve road resource utilization, increase lane storage capacity, and reduce traffic pressure.
I've done something similarly stupid before. During one morning rush hour, I was in a hurry and rolled through a red light in the left-turn lane. Luckily, I wasn't caught on camera, but it was a serious lesson. What you should do immediately: don't accelerate to flee, maintain your speed and drive to the next safe spot to pull over, then take deep breaths to calm yourself down. Understand the potential consequences: typically, it's a 6-point deduction plus a fine, especially on roads with electronic surveillance; the risk is higher if you do it again. Remember one thing, the turn lane isn't a free pass—you must stop at red lights. Daily driving requires full attention, so turn off phone notifications or avoid looking at maps while turning. Develop the habit of adjusting the air conditioning before driving to minimize distractions. Driving is a responsibility—if you make a mistake, own up to it and improve next time.
I've encountered this situation before. Driving through a red light in the turning lane is most likely due to momentary distraction or failing to notice the signal. First, don't panic; if the car has already passed through, make sure to pull over safely—don't slam on the brakes in the middle of the road, as that could cause a rear-end collision. Next, consider the possible consequences: traffic cameras may record the violation, resulting in points deducted and fines ranging from 200 to 500 RMB depending on local regulations—it's best to check your city's traffic rules to prevent future incidents. The key is to learn from it: a red light in a left or right turn lane is essentially equivalent to running a red light unless there's a yellow arrow indicating permission to proceed. Develop habits like taking a sip of water before driving to stay alert and double-checking traffic signals when they change. Reviewing dashcam footage can help pinpoint the moment of error so you can avoid it next time. This concerns the safety of all road users—carelessness is not an option.
Hey, who hasn't run a red light before? If you drove through while waiting in the turn lane at a red light, don't be too hard on yourself. First, ensure safety: check your rearview mirror for any risk of being rear-ended, and pull over if possible. Possible outcomes: if caught on camera, just pay the fine and learn your lesson; if nothing happens, count yourself lucky and be more careful next time. In traffic rules, running a red light in a turn lane is equivalent to the entire vehicle running a red light, and the severity of the violation is not minor. It's advisable to develop the habit: check the traffic signal a few more seconds before changing lanes, and avoid chatting while driving. You can also set your phone to driving mode to remind you not to break the rules. It's a small thing in life; just learn from your mistakes and improve yourself.
