Left turn on red in America. What are the rules please?

Question

When there are several lanes in the cross is it okay to turn left on red? Why do people honk when I stop on red and wait for the green? Should I turn if there is no traffic in the opposite direction?

Answer 1

Any intersection with a traffic light that does not have a "No Right Turn on Red" sign posted at it can allow right turns to be made even when the traffic light is red.

The rule is that the driver must come to a complete stop at the intersection and look both ways for traffic. If the traffic is clear then they can make a right turn. However, to do this they must start in the far right hand lane. A person in any other lane may not turn right on red even if the traffic arrows would allow a right turn from that lane. ONLY the far right lane can be used for a right turn on a red signal light.

Pedestrians in the crosswalk have priority over traffic when the light in their lane is red. If someone is trying to cross the street then before you make the right turn you must allow them a chance to cross the street first.

Turning LEFT on red is rarely allowed. Some traffic lights don't have a left turn lane nor a left turn light. In these cases the driver must wait for the light to turn green and for there to be no moving traffic coming from the opposite direction. If this is true then they may make their turn. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_turn_on_red and your local DMV will tell you when it is possible)

Turning right on a red light is always an OPTION it is never a requirement. If you are unfamiliar with the vehicle, if you cannot see the traffic, or if you are hauling a long trailer then you have the right to NOT turn when the traffic light is red. The people behind you may not like it, but legally you are correct.

Watch out for tractor-trailer rigs like semi trucks. These trucks cannot make a hard right turn. Often they have to be in the middle lane before they can make a right turn. When they do they will cut off anyone in the right hand lane. Most of these people want to go right and so might get clear of the truck before it turns. But, if you see a tractor-trailer truck at a traffic light with its right hand turn signals on then expect him to cut across the right hand lane of traffic. So don't get trapped by the truck and try to rush the light, or you will be at fault in any accident that may happen.

mia2kl200...: There can be a problem with turning left as you describe. In heavy traffic it is possible for you to never have a clear opening to turn left and for the light to turn red and for the other light to turn green before you have a clear chance to complete your left hand turn. In this case it is not a good idea to go halfway into the intersection to be poised for your left hand turn. Otherwise you can get stuck in the intersection and have some idiot try and run into you. Only advance out into the intersection when you think you will have a chance to complete your left turn.

H2O2 has a good point. Although the right turn on red law is valid in all fifty states the traffic laws do vary from state to state and as a driver you are responsible to know those laws. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, so check with the DMV for the state that you are driving in. Most should have an Internet site where you can look up the rules.

Answer 2

When you are waiting at a GREEN light, to turn left, you should be into the intersection, so you can turn at the first clear opportunity. Those people honking were probably angry because you didn't do that. You can continue into your turn during the yellow light, and get out of the intersection as quickly as possible, once it turns red. You cannot ENTER the intersection once it has turned red. So if you wait back there, you are passing up an opportunity to turn on the yellow.

I♥♫→mia☼☺†

Answer 3

It's different in every state; so look up the local DMV and download their laws/driving guide.

Here in Colorado, the law is:

NO LEFT TURN ON RED, UNLESS you're turning on to a one-way street froma one-way street. Even then, you must come to a complete stop, and only turn into the corresponding left-most lane.

If there is a RED ARROW, then there is NO TURNING AT ALL until that arrow is not illuminated or it is green.

RIGHT TURN ON RED IS OK, unless there are pedestrians present or there is a sign that says "no turn on red", but only after coming to a complete stop.

Answer 4

You have to stop when making a left turn on a red light, unless you have a little green arrow pointing the way you want to turn. If people honk it is because they are impatient.

Answer 5

It's RIGHT on RED, not left. Most states let you turn right on a red after coming to a complete stop and only if it is safe and there's no sign prohibiting such a turn.

Left on red is rare and would involve two one-way streets or if you are blocking the intersection when the light turns red.

Answer 6

No left turn on red. Only way to turn left on red is if it is a one way street then it is legal.
People honking probably are just jerks.

Answer 7

Only from the left lane of a one-way street to the left lane of another one way street - and not in every state.

Answer 8

i don't think there are no left turns on red. right turns on red maybe.

Answer 9

Laws vary from state to state. Check your DMV.