Are Motorbikes Allowed to Turn Right at a Red Light?

According to the provisions of the Road Traffic Law of 2008, when the traffic light turns red, the operator of a vehicle participating in traffic must stop. However, there are certain cases where right turns are permitted as follows:

According to the command of the traffic controller

In Article 3 of Circular 17/2012/TT-BGTVT (effective until October 31, 2016), the National Technical Regulation on Road Signs stipulates the order of effectiveness of the signaling system:

When different forms of signals are located in the same area, road users must comply with the signals in the following order:

1. Commands of the traffic controller;
2. Signals from lights or flags;
3. Commands from signs;
4. Road markings and other surface indicators.

Thus, when the light is red, you are allowed to turn right when directed by the traffic controller without adhering to the traffic light. In this case, all vehicles must follow the direction indicated by the traffic controller.

According to traffic signals

There are traffic signals that specifically allow for movement installed alongside the main traffic signal - specifically, auxiliary lights with green (or red) arrows. If this light turns green, the operator of a two-wheeled vehicle is permitted to turn in the direction of the arrow but must yield to vehicles moving from other permitted directions. Conversely, when the arrow signal turns red, the operator must stop, and cannot proceed in the direction of the arrow. Vehicles must carefully remain in the correct lane while waiting to turn in the prohibited direction.

According to traffic signs

There are traffic signs that allow vehicles to proceed installed alongside. Vehicles, especially motorcycles, are permitted to turn right on a red light if there is a traffic sign permitting a right turn. In this case, vehicles must use turn signals and yield to pedestrians.

According to islands directing lanes allowing vehicles to turn right before reaching the traffic signal

This case is based on road markings. Typically, when encountering traffic signs permitting right turns or signal lights permitting turns, one may also encounter hatched lines. According to the National Technical Regulation on Road Signs in Circular 17/2012/TT-BGTVT, hatched lines indicate that drivers must not stop at intersections or entrances/exits marked with these lines to avoid traffic congestion. Depending on necessity, they are drawn at intersections or at entrances/exits of main roads prone to vehicle congestion - Yellow color, 20 cm wide outer border, 45° slanted lines inside, lines are 10 cm wide spaced 1 - 5 m apart as illustrated in Line 52. When traveling on these hatched lines, it is mandatory to turn, stopping or going straight is not allowed.

Apart from the above-mentioned cases, motorcycles are not permitted to turn right on a red light. Intentional violations will be fined from 300,000 VND to 400,000 VND for failing to comply with traffic light commands (Decree 46/2016/ND-CP).

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