Can anyone explain how traffic lights work at crossroads?
I was at this exact spot in Limassol (https://maps.app.goo.gl/WfJrigkHmoUXSbFw9), in the right-hand lane. The traffic light was red, and I had three cars in front of me. We were all waiting. The light had not turned green yet, but the cars in front of me suddenly started moving and turning right. I was confused, but I followed them because all the other traffic at the junction was stopped and it seemed safe.
While I was crossing and turning right—still following those cars—I saw a flash, presumably from the traffic-enforcement camera. However, none of the cars in front of me were photographed.
I’ve noticed this happen at other camera-controlled intersections too: cars sometimes turn right on red, and the cameras don’t seem to activate.
Can anyone explain how this works? Is turning right on red allowed at these intersections? And will I receive a fine?
https://i.redd.it/t3cao9o34w2g1.jpeg
Posted by bitcoin_golden
6 Comments
Some traffic lights have a different arrow light that only applys to the turning lane. Notice that the traffic poles has four lights instead of three? You need to be extra careful with these arrow lights cause they don’t have a yellow light indicator so it’s kinda easy to slip up and get photographed from the cameras
If you already passed the stop line on the green light you can finish your right turn when the light becomes red. Of course you must wait to pass all the cars, moving in the opposite direction.
If you haven’t passed the stop line, you shouldn’t cross it until the light becomes green. After the light is green, if you see a green right arrow, then you have priority. If there is no green arrow and you see a regular green light, you must pass the opposite moving cars.
Green light allows to turn if there is no car from opposite direction. Green arrow allows to turn and guarantees that opposite traffic see red light. Arrows are very rapid, depending on the junction there is only time for 2-3 cars and this is exactly the reason why camera controls are despised. Flash doesn’t automatically means the fine, it depends on the situation.
With electricity
It also seems to be quite unclear how you’re supposed to use these crossings. When I was learning for my drivers license my tutor told me that if the main light is green but the arrow is off you’re supposed to halt in the intersection until the light goes red or the opportunity arises for you to cross safely. When I did that the camera clicked me for crossing on a red and I had to pay even though I had crossed legally. Rather than sitting there in the middle of an intersection with full traffic. When I disputed this I was told that you’re never meant to halt in the intersection but at the stop line at the lights prior to entering it. Depending on who you ask you get different answers so I just wait at the stop line by the lights now if I’m really in a pickle and have to use them.
But it’s better to be safe than sorry so I try to just waypoint myself around those lights specifically to avoid turning at camera controlled intersections. It may be inconvenient and time consuming plus more costly fuel wise but it sure as hell beats 3 points and 300€ fine.
I never turn at crossroads like this, especially when they’re cameras. I just find another route. The system is so stupid and blatantly there as a trap to issue fees, that it’s best avoided altogether. There must be another, independent set of traffic lights for turning, and not solely a green arrow that lasts 2 seconds. The current system, is not only a fee trap, but dangerous, since it requires the driver to turn into oncoming traffic!