How to Make a Right Turn at a Red Light

Co-authored by Simon Miyerov

Last Updated: May 31, 2023 References

In the United States and Canada, it is generally legal to make a right hand turn on a red light, although there are states and municipalities that are exceptions to this. The right-turn-on-red laws also vary from country to country. If you are driving somewhere where it is legal to make a right turn on red, be sure to check traffic and pedestrians in order to keep yourself and everyone around you safe.

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Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Stopping and Checking

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1
Make sure that you are in the right lane. Do not swerve into the right lane, or cut anyone off (abruptly move into the lane without adequate room).
- If you cannot get into the right lane, do not attempt to turn on red.
2
Begin signaling about 100 feet (30.5 m) before you intend to turn. If your turn signal is still on, you can leave it on. You can also turn it off briefly before signalling your turn.
- For the safety of drivers and bicyclists around you, you should never begin your turn without signalling.
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If there is a red right arrow, then you cannot make a right turn unless if a sign explicitly specifies otherwise.^{[1]
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4
Come to a complete stop. If there is a crosswalk, stop at the crosswalk. Otherwise, stop at the limit line.
- You must stop completely before making your turn. Do not coast through the turn, even if all appears to be clear. ^{[2]
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5
Check for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians crossing always have the right of way. Cyclists may also be coming behind you. If there is a bike lane or shoulder, you must signal and enter it just as you would a regular lane. ^{[3]
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- Oftentimes cyclists pull out further into the intersection, and may not be required to obey red lights. Keep this in mind as you check for them.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Completing the Turn

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Begin to inch out into the intersection.^{[4]
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Research source} There may be parked cars blocking your view of oncoming traffic. Make sure the front of your car is not inching into traffic, but also make sure that you can see completely.
- If you cannot see completely, do not make the turn.
2
Yield to other vehicles. Watch everyone who is moving on their green light, including bicycles and motorcycles. This can include people on the right making a U-turn.
- If it is a very big intersection, there may be people across from you that have a left turn arrow, so be sure to watch the whole road. ^{[5]
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3
Complete the right turn. You should begin and end the turn in the lane nearest to the right side of the road.
- Unless there is a sign indicating otherwise, always turn into the lane closest to you, the right lane.

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Question

Is right turn on red legal in all states?

Simon Miyerov
Driving Instructor
Simon Miyerov is the President and Driving Instructor for Drive Rite Academy, a driving academy based out of New York City. Simon has over 8 years of driving instruction experience. His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment.

Simon Miyerov

Driving Instructor

Expert Answer

Many cities also have laws in addition to, or separate from, state laws. Make sure you know all the laws in your city. For example, New York City and Washington D.C. prohibit drivers from making a right turn on red. Virginia, North Carolina, Nebraska, Minnesota, and California prohibit taking a right on red if there is a red arrow light.

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I made a right turn on a red light because there were no pedestrians in the crosswalk and no traffic coming across, but I still got a red light ticket and was told I had to come to a complete stop. Did I have to come to a complete stop if there was no pedestrians around and no traffic crossing over?

Community Answer

Yes. Even though there were no pedestrians or cars coming, you do still have to come to a complete stop.

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Is it required to stop for a certain length of time?

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It is only required that you first come to a full stop before turning, so that you can examine the situation and check for other vehicles and pedestrians. You should complete the turn after this is done.

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Warnings

Do not attempt a right turn if there are pedestrians in or about to enter the crosswalk.

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In some jurisdictions, including New York City and Montreal, it is illegal to make a right turn on a red light. There may not be a sign warning drivers of this law. ^{[6]
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Research source} Be sure you know the laws in the area you drive.

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