What is the fine for turning right at a red light?
According to the provisions of the 2008 Road Traffic Law, the road signal system includes the directives of the traffic controller; traffic light signals, signs, road markings, posts or barriers, and barricades. Specifically, traffic light signals have three colors, regulated as follows:
- The green signal means proceed;
- The red signal means stop;
- The yellow signal means stop before the stop line, except when you have crossed the stop line, then you may proceed; in the case of a flashing yellow signal, proceed but reduce speed, pay attention, and yield to pedestrians.
Thus: Based on the cited regulation above, in principle, when the traffic light signal turns red, the driver must stop.
However, the vehicle operator is permitted to proceed when the traffic light turns red in certain situations such as:
- A traffic controller’s directive allowing the vehicle to proceed.
- At an intersection with a green arrow signal allowing priority movement;
- At an intersection with signs allowing vehicles to proceed;
- At an intersection with a traffic island allowing vehicles to proceed before the traffic lights.
Therefore: If there are no signals permitting right turn on red, such as a green arrow light, signs allowing right turn, a traffic island permitting vehicles to turn right, or a traffic controller’s directive allowing the right turn, but vehicles still turn right, it is considered running a red light, an illegal act.
Failure to comply with legal regulations when the light is red constitutes a violation and will be sanctioned according to the provisions in Decree 100/2019/ND-CP. Specifically:
- A fine ranging from 600,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND for operators of motorcycles, mopeds (including electric motorcycles), and similar vehicles for non-compliance with traffic light signals as per Point e, Clause 4, Article 6.
- A fine ranging from 1,000,000 VND to 2,000,000 VND for operators of tractors and special-use vehicles for non-compliance with traffic light signals as per Point d, Clause 5, Article 7.
- A fine ranging from 3,000,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND for drivers of automobiles and similar vehicles for non-compliance with traffic light signals as per Point a, Clause 5, Article 5.
Additionally, the violator’s driving license, and road traffic law knowledge certificate (for operators of special-use vehicles) may be revoked for a period of 01 to 03 months.
According to the information you provided, you turned right on red; if at that location, there were no signals permitting the right turn on red, your action is deemed unlawful.
Thus: Depending on the type of vehicle you were operating, for the act of turning right on red (not complying with traffic light signals).
