When traveling in Hanoi, some traffic light areas have auxiliary signs. For example, at the intersection between Hoang Quoc Viet and Tran Cung, there are auxiliary signs to turn right.
But when reading carefully, only motorbikes and bicycles are allowed to go. Therefore, if a car turns right, it can still be heavily fined.
According to regulations, there are 5 cases where traffic participants are allowed to turn right even though the traffic light is showing red.
The most common case is at intersections with arrow-shaped traffic lights allowing right-turning and this light is displaying green. At that time, even if the main light is still red, vehicle drivers are still allowed to move in the direction of right-turning.
In addition, people are also allowed to turn right when there is a traffic controller's signal. Clause 2, Article 11 of the 2024 Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety stipulates that the traffic controller's signal has a higher priority value than traffic lights.
Therefore, in case the traffic light is red but the traffic police or traffic controller signals to continue, the vehicle driver is still allowed to turn right without being considered a violation.
Another case is at intersections with auxiliary signs allowing right turn at red lights. However, traffic participants must carefully read the signs to know which type of vehicle is allowed to turn.
This is a type of sign usually placed under traffic lights. When this sign appears, vehicle drivers are allowed to turn right but still have to reduce speed, observe and give way to pedestrians.
Many roads today are also designed with traffic diversion islands so that vehicles can turn right before reaching the location of the traffic lights.
In this case, vehicle drivers are also allowed to turn right when the red light is on but must turn on the turn signal and ensure safety for other vehicles.
In addition, according to the National Technical Regulation QCVN 41:2024/BGTVT, on some roads, zigzag markings are arranged to limit traffic congestion. If the vehicle is moving on the road with a zigzag marking and the traffic light in front turns red, the driver must continue to move to avoid causing traffic obstruction, which can be continued in the direction of turning right.
In addition to the above cases, all acts of arbitrarily turning right at red lights are considered not complying with traffic light signals and will be severely punished.
According to Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, for car drivers, the fine is up to 18 - 20 million VND. Not only fined, the violator is also deducted 4 points on the driver's license.
