Turning right at a red light: Is it prohibited, or is it allowed...?

The relevant authorities are currently studying the possibility of expanding the regulation allowing right turns at red lights to suitable routes.

On the afternoon of January 7th, at the intersection of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Nam Ky Khoi Nghia streets (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), numerous vehicles moved slowly. Despite the prolonged traffic congestion, there was no sign of motorbikes climbing onto the sidewalk or turning right at red lights, a common occurrence.

The intersection of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Nam Ky Khoi Nghia streets is frequently congested. Photo: NGOC QUY

Prolonged traffic congestion

Traffic participants inch forward, waiting for multiple green lights to escape this traffic jam. A similar situation occurs before intersections such as Nam Ky Khoi Nghia - Nguyen Du and Hai Ba Trung - Dien Bien Phu (District 1).

At the Phu Nhuan intersection (Phu Nhuan District), people traveling from Phan Dinh Phung Street to the Phu Nhuan intersection face difficulties when trying to turn right onto Phan Dang Luu Street. Due to the lack of signs or traffic lights, this intersection is frequently congested. Another example is the Hoang Van Thu - Phan Thuc Duyet intersection (Tan Binh District), which, despite being a high-traffic, one-way street, does not allow right turns, resulting in traffic jams.

The intersection of Hoang Van Thu and Phan Thuc Duyet streets. Photo: NGOC QUY

Mr. Minh Son (35 years old, residing in Binh Thanh District) said he frequently faces traffic jams during rush hour. He feels that recently, many people's traffic discipline has improved, but congestion seems to be getting worse. "If some roads allowed right turns on red lights, traffic would definitely be smoother," Mr. Son said.

High penalties

It's a common practice for people to "automatically" turn right at traffic lights when encountering a red light. However, according to point c, clause 4, article 11 of the 2024 Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, a red traffic light means "no entry." Therefore, drivers are not allowed to turn right at a red light except in areas with supplementary signs permitting it.

Decree 168/2024, effective from January 1, 2025, stipulates that drivers of cars or similar vehicles who fail to obey traffic signals will be fined 18-20 million VND; for motorcycles, the fine is 4-6 million VND. In addition to the fine, violators will also have points deducted from their driver's license.

According to a representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police Department, from January 1st to 4th alone, the Traffic Police Department and the police forces of districts, counties, and Thu Duc City issued fines for 6,106 traffic violations totaling over 10 billion VND. Of these, the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police fined 225 cases of running red lights, involving 7 cars and 218 motorbikes.

An officer from the Traffic Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City Police confirmed that people are only allowed to turn right when directed by traffic police; at intersections with signs permitting right turns on a red light; and at intersections with a green arrow light permitting right turns…

Expert recommendation

Architect Truong Nam Thuan (Thien Nam Anh Investment Consulting Joint Stock Company) believes that Decree 168/2024, with its goal of improving traffic compliance awareness and reducing violations such as running red lights, has created a step forward in traffic management. However, when this decree is implemented in practice, especially in large cities like Ho Chi Minh City, it reveals some problems.

One manifestation of this is the increasing reluctance of people to turn right at red lights. High fines and penalty points for violations deter many drivers from turning right at red lights without supplementary signs.

"When the red light comes on, many vehicles stop, creating a large traffic jam, and when the light turns green, it's impossible to clear all the remaining vehicles, making the congestion even worse," architect Truong Nam Thuan commented, arguing that strict regulations lacking flexibility will exacerbate congestion.

Architect Nguyen Dinh Hoa, a member of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Planning and Development Association, acknowledges that the regulation prohibiting right turns at red lights facilitates pedestrians crossing the road without worrying about traffic turning right. However, this increases traffic congestion and environmental pollution at most intersections with high traffic volume. Besides putting pressure on traffic flow, the extended travel time also wastes time and social resources.

A short-term solution is to allow right turns for motorcycles and bicycles on most main roads in Ho Chi Minh City. In addition, signs requiring slow speed should be installed for right-turning motorcycles and bicycles to ensure the safety of pedestrians crossing the road.

Regarding long-term solutions, architect Nguyen Dinh Hoa proposed the need for a comprehensive and rational plan for transportation infrastructure, ensuring that the proportion of road area meets international standards. Along with this, the development of a public transportation system is also crucial.

Improve compliance awareness

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Loi, Deputy Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Safety Committee, the regulation prohibiting right turns at red lights has long been in effect to ensure the safety of pedestrians – a vulnerable group in traffic. The habit of turning right at red lights is common in Ho Chi Minh City due to the high volume of vehicles and inadequate infrastructure. However, this behavior violates the law and will be strictly punished to raise public awareness of traffic regulations.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Loi, Ho Chi Minh City has also allowed right turns at some eligible intersections, and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport and related agencies are studying expanding the regulation to allow right turns on red lights on suitable routes. This will not only ensure traffic safety but also contribute to improving traffic congestion at hotspots, especially during rush hour...

Source: https://nld.com.vn/re-phai-khi-den-do-cam-hay-la-196250107214342816.htm