Right-Turn Traffic Lights Introduced from the 22nd... "Proceed According to the Signal"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] Starting from the 22nd, right-turn traffic signals will be introduced. Additionally, the Road Traffic Act Enforcement Rules, which clarify the obligation to stop when making a right turn at an intersection with a red light ahead, will be enforced.

The National Police Agency announced on the 17th that according to the revised Road Traffic Act Enforcement Rules, drivers can only make a right turn on a green arrow signal where right-turn traffic signals are installed. Furthermore, where right-turn traffic signals are not installed, drivers must come to a complete stop before making a right turn when the traffic light ahead is red.

Previously, since September last year, the National Police Agency conducted a pilot operation of right-turn traffic signals at 15 locations within 8 metropolitan police agencies nationwide. As a result, at locations where right-turn traffic signals were installed, pedestrian safety significantly improved as vehicles proceeded according to the signals. The compliance rate for stopping before making a right turn was only 10.3% before the installation of the signals, but after installation, the signal compliance rate reached 89.7%.

A National Police Agency official stated, "Considering the need for sufficient publicity regarding the newly enforced Road Traffic Act Enforcement Rules, a three-month guidance period will be conducted before deciding whether to implement enforcement." However, the official also warned, "If a traffic accident occurs due to making a right turn without stopping at a red light ahead where right-turn traffic signals are not installed, it may be punished as a signal violation."