At an intersection when there is a traffic light for the lane turning right..........?

Question

This light is independent of the traffic light for the other lanes, and is always green except when the traffic to the left has a green light and the oncoming traffic has a green light to turn left.

I have seen many people treat this red light as if it were a stop sign or flashing red; They come to a stop and then proceed after checking traffic. This makes some sense to me but I thought that when there is a changing traffic light specific to this lane, you are to stop and remain stopped until it turns green. Granted, I took the writing portion of the driver's test about 22 years ago, but for some reason it is emblazoned in my brain.

Am I right?

What would be the purpose of this light, if you can treat it as if it is a light for all lanes (a normal red light)?

This light is for the turning lane only.....

Answer 1

This is a question for local jurisdiction. Most times tho, if there isn't a sign specific saying, no right turns, then you may proceed. But as I said, each jurisdiction has different rules to this.

Answer 2

If you mean the right turn lane light is independant as you said and it turns red, then no, people cannot make a right turn on that particular type of red light. That light was put there independatly to regulate the traffic in that right lane..
"driving instructor..once upon a time"

Answer 3

No, you are not right. Unless there is a sign that specifically says that there are no turns on red, you are allowed to simply treat it as a stop sign. Stop, check traffic, and proceed taking a right. It might also depend on the state. For example, in Oregon, you are not allowed to take a U turn unless it is specifically posted.

Answer 4

yes you are right people usually treat the right lane as a yield lane and just turn if its clear. but if there is an accident and they have the red they are at fault

Answer 5

if you're no longer in the reduce area lane it isn't legal to make the right hand activate red. you're to teach into the lane closet to the reduce or the only particular for that lane.

Answer 6

Even when you can turn right-on-red, you still have to stop for a red light. I get my share of angry honks due to this.

Answer 7

unless there is a sign specifically saying no right on red, you can turn right on red if no one is going to hit you.

Answer 8

you can turn right on red if their is no traffic coming unless it is posted otherwise.