Question from a reader:
Please tell me about traffic enforcement. This is a story about a certain intersection. It has two lanes in each direction, but there is a dedicated right turn lane near the intersection, making it three lanes. The traffic signal for north-south direction does not turn green, and at the moment the right turn signal changes from yellow
to red, a vehicle made a right turn to the east. At that time, a police car waiting at the signal turned on its siren, made a U-turn, and pursued that vehicle. At this moment, the east-west signal turned green, and there were also vehicles going straight from west to east. If the straight-going vehicle did not notice the siren and did not stop, I believe the police car would not be able to make the U-turn. In this case, can the right-turning vehicle escape?

Traffic Enforcement and Signal Rules: Considering the Actions of Right-Turning Vehicles

Recently, I received an interesting question about traffic enforcement. Specifically, it concerns the behavior of right-turning vehicles at intersections and police car pursuits. Let’s explore how this situation might unfold from a legal perspective.

Background of the Question

First, to clarify the content of the question, it describes a situation where there is a dedicated right turn lane only near the intersection on a two-lane road. The north-south signal does not turn green, and at the moment the right turn signal changes from yellow to red, a vehicle made a right turn to the east. The police car waiting at the signal sounded its siren and made a U-turn to pursue the right-turning vehicle. What is concerning here is the possibility that a straight-going vehicle might enter the intersection when the east-west signal turns green. In such a situation, can the right-turning vehicle escape, and what would its legal standing be?

Traffic Signals and Legal Obligations

Traffic signals are established based on road traffic laws, and failing to obey them can lead to penalties. In particular, if a vehicle enters an intersection on a red signal, it will be punished as a traffic violation. There is an obligation to obey the right turn signal when it turns red. However, in the situation described in the question, the vehicle turned right just before the right turn signal changed from yellow to red, so it could generally argue that it was “obeying the signal.” However, legally, since the signal was red, whether this is permissible is a gray area.

Police Car Actions and Conditions for Pursuit

Next, let’s consider the police car’s action of sounding its siren and making a U-turn. Police vehicles are allowed to temporarily disregard normal traffic rules in emergencies. However, this must fall within the scope of an “emergency situation.” What is important here is the risk that a straight-going vehicle might enter the intersection when the police car makes a U-turn. If the straight-going vehicle proceeds without noticing the police car, it is highly likely that the police car would not be able to make the U-turn, making the pursuit impossible. The police have an obligation to consider such risks when deciding on their actions.

Legal Risks of Escaping

Now, let’s consider whether the right-turning vehicle can escape. First, even if the right-turning vehicle was obeying the signal, there is a risk of accidents or violations occurring at the intersection. Escaping itself is an illegal act, and particularly if a traffic accident occurs, the driver will be held responsible. Furthermore, in some cases, fleeing may be regarded as “obstruction of public duty.” In other words, even if one escapes, there is a high likelihood of facing legal penalties later. This is because the law prioritizes traffic safety.

Psychological Aspects and Motives for Fleeing

In such situations, why do people attempt to flee? Psychologically, it is often due to fear or panic. For example, young drivers may consider fleeing out of fear of traffic violations. However, it is important to understand that fleeing is likely to worsen the situation. The reason is simple. Fleeing can lead to further violations, putting one in a legally and psychologically pressured situation. It is crucial to handle the situation calmly.

In Conclusion

This case regarding traffic enforcement involves complex elements. However, from a legal perspective, fleeing by the right-turning vehicle is a behavior that carries significant risks. The actions of the police car can also be understood as an obligation to maintain traffic safety. Finally, obeying traffic rules is of utmost importance. By following signals, one can ensure not only their own safety but also that of other drivers and pedestrians. To avoid accidents and violations, acting calmly is key. By deepening our knowledge of traffic enforcement, we can achieve safer driving. Moving forward, I want to continue understanding traffic rules and take action to protect myself.