{
  "id": 4652331,
  "title": "Saudi Traffic: Turning right after triangle is running a red-light offense",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/saudi-traffic-turning-right-after-triangle-is-running-a-red-light",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T14:09:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Saudi Gazette",
    "slug": "saudi-gazette",
    "url": "https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664193/saudi-arabia/saudi-traffic-turning-right-after-triangle-is-running-a-red-light-offense"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Riyadh — The Saudi Traffic Department has issued a clarification on the rules for making right turns at a red traffic light. According to the department, drivers must stop before turning to ensure the intersection is clear and yield to oncoming traffic. However, if a triangular road marking exists at the corner, the turn must be made before reaching it. Contrary to popular belief, turning after the triangle is considered running a red light, which is a serious offense.\n\nMoreover, drivers must stay in the right lane before executing the turn on main roads without service roads. If a main road is accompanied by a service road, the turn should be made onto the service road, while still in the right lane. Violating this rule when a flashing red arrow or \"No Right Turn\" sign is displayed, even when the traffic light is red, is also considered running a red light. Such actions are strictly prohibited and deemed unsafe for drivers, pedestrians, and other road users.\n\nThe General Directorate of Traffic has imposed severe penalties for running a red light in Saudi Arabia, citing the high risk it poses to public safety. The Traffic Law mandates fines ranging from SR3,000 to SR6,000 for such violations, depending on the specific circumstances. This stringent approach aims to deter drivers from disregarding traffic signals, thereby reducing accidents and protecting lives and property.",
  "summary": "RIYADH — The Saudi Traffic Department has clarified the regulations governing right turns at a red traffic light.The department emphasized that drivers must stop before making a turn to ensure the intersection is clear of vehicles and give way to oncoming traffic. If a triangular road marking is present at the corner of the intersection, the turn must be made before reaching it. Making the turn…",
  "key_points": [
    "Drivers must stop before turning right at red light to check intersection clearance",
    "Turning after triangular marking is illegal, considered red-light running",
    "Penalties for red-light violations range from SR3,000 to SR6,000"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}