Which has priority, right turn or going straight?
2 Answers
Going straight has priority. According to Article 51 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, at intersections with designated lanes, vehicles must enter the appropriate lane based on their intended direction of travel. When making a right turn, if the vehicle ahead in the same lane is waiting for the traffic signal, the following vehicle must stop and wait in turn. Relevant information about traffic lights is as follows: Introduction: Traffic lights are signals that direct traffic flow, typically consisting of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition of passage, a green light indicates permission to proceed, and a yellow light serves as a warning. Control methods: The most basic control method is fixed-time control at a single intersection. Line control and area control can also use fixed-time control methods, also known as static line control systems and static area control systems.
As a seasoned driver who spends years on the road, I find this question quite practical. Straight-going vehicles generally have the right of way at most intersections, and you must yield to them unless there are special signs or traffic signals altering the rules. For example, at an unmarked crossroad, if you're making a right turn, you must stop or slow down to let straight-going vehicles pass first, as they usually move faster and follow a more direct path. Cutting them off carelessly can easily lead to rear-end collisions or side impacts. Having driven many long-distance trips, I've witnessed several chaotic situations: during rush-hour traffic jams, some drivers impatiently attempt right turns, causing intersection gridlock or even minor accidents—it's particularly frustrating. That's why I've developed the habit: check mirrors and scan left-right traffic flow before turning, only proceeding when it's absolutely safe. Remember, this rule exists to maintain smooth and safe traffic flow—violating it may result in tickets or hazards. In daily driving, observing road signs and signals is crucial; some places have dedicated right-turn lanes or green arrow signals where turning is permitted, but generally, straight traffic takes priority.
