When Can You Enter the Left-Turn Waiting Zone at Traffic Lights?
3 Answers
Conditions for entering the left-turn waiting zone: 1. When both the straight and left-turn signals are red, left-turning vehicles are prohibited from entering the waiting zone and should queue behind the stop line until permitted to proceed. 2. When the straight signal in the same direction turns green (while the left-turn signal remains red), left-turning vehicles should enter the waiting zone in order and wait to turn left. When the left-turn signal subsequently turns green, vehicles in the waiting zone should proceed to turn left through the intersection in sequence. 3. When the left-turn signal is red (or yellow), left-turning vehicles that have not yet entered the waiting zone should stop behind the stop line and wait, and must not enter the waiting zone. Vehicles already in the waiting zone should continue to turn left through the intersection without stopping within the intersection, maintaining smooth traffic flow.
I've been driving for twenty years and often encounter issues with the left-turn waiting area in the city. Generally, when the straight-ahead signal is green, left-turning vehicles can enter and wait because straight-moving traffic has the right of way, and moving into the waiting area doesn't block them. However, if you enter when the straight-ahead signal is red, that's a violation. The police might stop you, resulting in a fine of at least two hundred yuan or even points deducted from your license. I remember once rushing to get somewhere and entering during a red light, only to be pulled over and lectured. That taught me a lesson, and now I always glance at the straight-ahead signal before proceeding. It's best to develop the habit: don't enter unless the straight-ahead signal is green—safety is more important than anything. Some intersections also have dedicated arrow signals; you must wait until the arrow turns green before moving. Don't confuse them. For beginners, I recommend driving through a few times to get familiar with the signals—city driving relies on accumulated experience.
As a driver, I believe the key to entering the waiting zone is to observe the straight-through signal light. Only when the straight-through light turns green can left-turning vehicles move into the waiting area. Otherwise, entering during a red light or without any indication can easily lead to accidents or fines. I remember once mistakenly entering during traffic congestion and almost getting rear-ended by the car behind—a profound lesson. In terms of safety, it's designed to reduce intersection congestion, but misuse can cause more trouble: blocking lanes, affecting pedestrian crossings, and ultimately doing more harm than good. I recommend paying extra attention to signal changes during peak hours: enter when the light is green, wait for right-turning or straight-moving vehicles to go first, and stop completely during red lights. Daily driving requires developing anticipation skills—don’t just focus on the car ahead, observe the overall traffic light control. The rule is simple: move when the straight-through light is green, stop when it’s red, and maintaining order benefits everyone.
