By Gail Marsh
RVers are, in general, very careful drivers. We make allowances for our large rigs when braking, changing lanes, and so much more. However, there is one traffic situation that can be difficult to “read.” It’s sometimes hard to know if you’re safe in making a right turn on red because you can’t always tell if the traffic facing you has an advanced green light.
I recently discovered the helpful video below. It provides four clues that will help you spot an advanced green light and know whether it’s safe for you to make a right turn on red with your RV.
How to spot an advanced green light
Clue #1
As you approach the intersection, is there a left-turning lane on your side of the street? If so, there’s a good chance that the traffic facing you will also have a left-turning lane. This isn’t always the case, though, so proceed carefully.
Clue #2
Can you see left-turning traffic proceeding from the opposite side of the intersection? If the vehicles facing you are turning left while you have a red light, they may have an advanced green light. They may also be breaking the law by running a red light. In either case, play it safe! Wait until the road is clear for you to make the right turn.
Clue #3
If you just arrived at the red light and facing traffic continues to turn left in front of you, that’s a good clue that opposing traffic has an advanced green light. Do not make a right turn on red until you are absolutely certain that your pathway is clear.
Clue #4
Check the size of the traffic light itself. Lights with an advanced green light will be larger than a simple three-light traffic signal.
Still confused?
Take a look at this video for clarification. Then drive safely out there, RVers!
##RVT1132
I recall before I moved to the USA from Canada, Canada always had signs at the lights indicating the oncoming has an advanced green.. A very easy and simple solution.
Many intersections in the U.S. also have such signage. It is often in the form of a ban on turns when red, or a yield to left turning traffic (a clear indication of advanced green). Regardless, fully agree it is always smart to carefully assess the intersection before initiating your turn.
Gee, I never realized there was such a complicated situation to turning right on red. I always thought when I was preparing to turn right on red that if there was no oncoming traffic it was safe to make my turn. I was never aware that there was a 4 step process I had to do to turn right on red! Lol
Would have helped to define what an advanced green light is.
You didn’t understand that after the 4 part explanation, it means a green arrow for traffic across from you. It was confusing to break the right turn on red down into a 4 part maneuver instead of just saying if no oncoming traffic it’s safe to turn. Kind of like a politician explaining a law they sponsored. No real logic just a bunch of jibberish. Lol
You always have the option NOT to turn on red. A lot of trucking companies forbid the practice. You’re just asking for someone to come out of nowhere and ruin your day. I usually wait for green if it looks congested.
Scarey that a driver sharing the road needs so much explanation. Maybe just don’t turn right if you need to actually go through this right turn checklist.
Yup!
Thank you, Gail! Excellent advice! Safe travels!
Thank you, Gail! Great advice! Safe travels! 🙂
I think this article and included video were a solution in search of a problem. As others have said, if you’re this confused when driving your RV, don’t turn until you have a green light.
At one time, the signs said “Right turn on red, after stop“. These signs have changed.
The only foolproof way is to watch the front wheels of the approaching vehicle. If the wheels are moving, STOP!
I ride a motorcycle and always look at the wheels of the other vehicle, whether at a light or or any intersection. It’s now a habit I use all the time.
Some people are so distracted (phones) and in a hurry that they may not even see you coming.
Thank you for sharing the video and summarizing it, Gail. Given the size and accompanying lack of quickness of RV rigs, particularly ours, if I am in doubt about making a maneuver while driving it, then I don’t make it. Have a great day and safe travels!
nvm
“Never mind”? Huh?🤔 Have a great day, Gary. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
In some places, left turn is an advanced green arrow, in other, a delayed arrow. To make matters more confusing, for some intersections, the arrow may be advanced part of the day, delayed another part of the day. We have that here, it’s to adjust for the traffic patterns.
We use care and watch carefully. The city where we live has many red light runners, so we’re used to looking in all directions.
We now have a few of the blinking yellow left turn arrows, which we first encountered in another state. That just adds more “interest” at some intersections.
I am not familiar with the term “advanced” traffic light. It would have been nice if you had explained what this means. As always though, the article is good & reminds us to pay attention at all times. Thank you!
Hi, Brad. Here’s what Wikipedia says about “advanced” aka “smart” traffic lights: “Smart traffic lights or Intelligent traffic lights are a vehicle traffic control system that combines traditional traffic lights with an array of sensors and artificial intelligence to intelligently route vehicle and pedestrian traffic.” Thanks for asking. I like learning new stuff every day. (We have them around here, but I didn’t know what they were called.) Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com