I see people turning left all the time at a one-way intersection near my work. It annoys the hell out of me because it looks really dangerous for one thing. Most of these people turn way out into the center of the one-way, and if they are going that far- well hell why not just go all the way through the red light?
I also get pretty annoyed when I am sitting in that far left lane and I am going to go straight, and I can see some guy with his left blinker on getting irritated and impatient. I mean come on man it is a red light anyway. Is that legal? I don't know for absolute certain, but it sure is annoying to me.
2007-07-20 05:06:59 · 17 answers · asked by Jadochop 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
it depends on the state youre in. for the most part though, id go w/it being illegal (at least it is in va, md, and pa). i wouldnt take the chance of doing it if i were you.
2007-07-20 05:14:49 · answer #1 · answered by jen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends what state you're in. In Wisconsin, if you are turning from a one-way onto another one-way, technically, it is legal to turn left on a red. I've never encountered this scenario but it must exist. And also, turning left on a red from a one-way to a one-way is just as dangerous as turning right on a red onto a two-way. Oncoming traffic still has the right-of-way and you must yield to all cars, cyclists, pedestrians, etc. until everything is clear (and by that time the light will probably be green anyway). So, don't be annoyed by people executing a legal maneuver. If you would like more detailed and exact information I suggest you visit an official driving website and read the rules or purchase a motorists' handbook at your local DMV.
2007-07-20 05:23:00 · answer #2 · answered by DJC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on where you live. In Georgia it is legal to make a left on red if you are turning from a one way street onto a one way street. Odd I know. However, I do not believe that it is legal to wait in the middle of the intersection, though almost everyone does it. It's the reason for the line demarcation. A lawyer would know better.
2016-04-01 03:44:26 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is a one-way intersection you may turn on a red after stopping regardless of it being left or right just as long as you're not crossing traffic. It's known as a protected turn.
An unprotected turn is when you cross lanes of traffic which are going in the opposite direction of the traffic with which you are merging. These turns are illegal to make at red lights so long as the red lights are not flashing.
Flashing red lights are considered to be stop-signs.
2007-07-20 05:16:08 · answer #4 · answered by AvantExec 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I live in a country where the driver's seat is on the right side, but I can imagine what you are talking about and I can understand why you get annoyed, even if it is legal.
My husband used to get cranky, but I laughed. You have to get used to. It's a bit difficult for my hubby because he had problem with his leg, he had an accident in 1980, also one of his eye cant really see well.
So he was always caught by surprised.
A good practice if you go to the Philippine and drive there, or maybe easier in South Korea. After you drive there I think you will feel better back home. Hehehe. (Or you give up driving.)
2007-07-20 05:56:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some states it is legal. Many states allow it from a one-way to a one-way with certain restrictions. Most of the time, all turns are required to be left lane to left lane or right lane to right lane.
2007-07-20 06:27:33 · answer #6 · answered by Josh M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Illinois, a left on red is legal from a one way to a one way only. This allows you to turn without crossing any oncoming traffic.
2007-07-20 05:13:41 · answer #7 · answered by double E 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It may vary according to where you live, but I thought you could only make a left turn on red onto a one-way street.
2007-07-20 05:37:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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In California you may turn left on a circular red signal from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping.
2007-07-20 17:19:19 · answer #9 · answered by sweetwater 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many states allow this if it is from a one way street to a one way street. That way you're not crossing oncoming traffic.
Check the DMV website for your state.
2007-07-20 05:15:35 · answer #10 · answered by Rob B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. The other street must be one way in the direction you are turning then you don't need the signal.
2007-07-20 12:34:47 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋