Is it just me? Or do many drivers misunderstand (or outright disobey) the “Right on Red” rule?
Maybe right on red is one of those driving laws everyone thinks they understand, but really don’t.
What happened
On a recent RV trip, we approached an intersection. We had a green light. Ahead of us, I noticed a driver on the cross street also approaching the intersection. The driver did not reduce speed. After a cursory glance, he quickly cut in front of us to make his right-on-red move.
This isn’t the first time we’ve been cut off while RVing. Thankfully, we were able to brake in time to avoid a collision.
On the same trip, we encountered an intersection with a “Right on Red” sign. We hadn’t even rolled to a stop before vehicles behind us began honking. Checking that we were clear to turn, we made a right on red. Cars behind us quickly sped past our rig, and a few gave us a not-so-friendly finger “wave.”
For RVers, who drive longer, heavier, and wider rigs, the right-on-red rule that lets you turn right at a red light can save time and fuel. It also creates unique risks.
Right on red’s history
The modern, nationwide practice of allowing drivers to turn right on a steady red light grew out of the 1970s energy crisis. Federal policy in the mid-1970s encouraged states to permit the maneuver as a fuel-saving measure. States that wanted certain federal assistance adopted right-on-red in that era. Over time, most states changed their laws accordingly.
Local governments, however, can prohibit the right turns on red at specific intersections or across whole cities when they decide it’s safer.
Allowed or not?
For most of the U.S., right on red is the baseline rule: You may turn right at a red light unless a sign at that intersection expressly forbids it or the signal uses a dedicated red arrow.
New York City is a famous exception. Right turns on red are illegal across the five boroughs except at intersections that are explicitly signed to allow them. In recent years, several big cities have moved to limit or ban right-on-red in busy pedestrian or downtown areas. The bottom line for RVers is don’t assume the maneuver is allowed. Look for signs and be aware of local bans.
Is it safe?
Research going back decades found that allowing right turns on red increased some pedestrian and bicyclist crashes at signalized intersections. More recently, rising pedestrian and cyclist fatalities have prompted cities to re-evaluate whether the convenience and small fuel savings are worth the risks in dense, multi-modal urban areas.
Where pedestrian volumes are high or sightlines are poor, municipalities sometimes remove the privilege and post “No Turn on Red” signs. If you’re driving through downtowns or tourist areas, expect occasional changes and new signage.
Do it like this
I seem to remember a sign from my youth that read: “Right turn on red after stop.” Those last two words are no longer part of most right-on-red signs I see today. Maybe that’s the problem. Many drivers treat the right on red more like a yield sign. But that’s not how the law describes it.
Here is the lawful way to obey a right-on-red sign:
• Approach the intersection slowly. Scan the intersection for signs that prohibit a turn.
• Come to a complete stop at the line or before the crosswalk. A “slow roll” is not acceptable.
• All four wheels must stop. Wait long enough to ensure crossing pedestrians are clear and oncoming traffic has truly stopped or is far enough away that your turn is safe.
• Yield to every pedestrian and bicyclist in the crosswalk or about to enter it. Also yield to oncoming traffic that has the right of way.
• Do not turn on a red arrow. Red arrows prohibit the movement even where right on red might otherwise be permitted.
• Signal your intention to turn early. Check mirrors and blind spots, and make a neat, lane-legal turn without swinging overly wide into adjacent lanes.
• If there is any doubt about visibility (e.g., parked vehicles, large trucks blocking your view, sun glare) remain stopped until you can make the move safely or wait for the next green light.
Why you might get a ticket
Failing to come to a complete stop before turning right on red is treated as running the red light in many jurisdictions. Enforcement is both by police officers and automated cameras.
Red-light cameras in many cities are set up to capture right-on-red violations (especially rolling stops). Municipal programs often issue citations when a camera shows a vehicle entering the intersection on red without a full stop.
A “rolling stop” or cutting the stop short can produce a ticket even if no crash occurs. Local rules about who is financially responsible and what penalties apply vary by state and city.
Not a yield sign
A yield sign tells you to slow down and give the right of way if another road user is approaching. You only stop at a yield if conditions require it.
By contrast, turning right on red is conditional permission attached to a red light. It requires you to make a full stop first and then yield to any pedestrians and cross traffic.
While both movements involve yielding, the legal actions and expectations are different. A yield sign indicates that drivers should slow down and give way to cross traffic. (Stop only if necessary.)
A right on red means that the driver comes to a complete stop. Then yield and turn when it’s safe to do so.
Protect yourself
• Assume other drivers will misuse the rule. Many problems happen when a small car runs through the right on red and zips past a big RV that can’t see them or can’t complete a tight turn.
• Give yourself extra buffer space before and after the turn.
• RVs have more mass and longer stopping distances. So, come to a full stop earlier than you think you need to. Hold at a stop position until the intersection is unquestionably clear.
• If you need a wider turn, check mirrors, double-check for adjacent lane traffic, then execute a controlled, legal turn.
• If another driver is misusing right on red (rumbling through a crosswalk, cutting you off while you’re already turning), don’t try to “win” the positioning. Brake and re-position safely.
• If the other driver’s move creates a crash or near-miss, document it (photos, notes) and report it.
• Use technology wisely. Backup cameras, cross-view mirrors, and a passenger keeping an eye on crossing zones can make a huge difference in tight intersections.
• If in doubt, don’t turn. The couple of minutes you lose are worth much more than a repair bill, a ticket, or (worst) an injury.
Do you have a pet peeve about other drivers? Tell us about it in the comments.
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RVT1230
There are some intersections (in my experience, always specifically signed) where it is permissible to not stop when turning right, even if the forward traffic must stop.
Towing, I always try to see traffic from the left, because those no-stop rights almost always are a merge lane. Another reason for stopping is if the turn is tight enough that I must also temporarily crowd into the next lane for my trailer to safely come around the corner.
I don’t think that there’s a general misunderstanding of right on red, it’s just that there are many more discourteous drivers on the road who think the world revolves around them and you’re simply in the way.
Exactly.
Ding Ding Ding! Winner, winner, chicken dinner!!!
I also remember the ‘after stop’. Why this was eliminated makes no sense, even though most people ignored it.
The same way they ignore the ‘No turn on red’ signs, or what a yield sign means.
One big reason I have a dashcam.
In Jersey City at a stop light, I had this happen several times. At the red light I’m waiting for the green light. A car in the opposing left turn lane makes a left turn in front of me right as the light turns green. I always hesitate when a light turns green to make sure cross traffic is stopping. If I gunned it at the green light I would have hit him.
Has nothing to do with this article.
“Do you have a pet peeve about other drivers? Tell us about it in the comments.”
Gosh Gary did you read the full article?
what are the rules for on coming emergency vehicles on four lane highway?
when I took my driving test it was pull into right lane when safe to do so you slowed down but didn’t have to stop. On divided highway you just kept going.
I was amused by the instruction that “All four wheels must stop.” Trying to imagine a vehicle where that is an issue. 🤷♂️
Next up, working brake lights and turn indicators.
Supposedly, the car manufacturers made them both mandatory now, too! I heard it’s talked about in the auto manual no one reads!
🙌🏻😁
I think the trouble started when we removed mandatory driver’s training classes. (Said the old person!! LOL). Can’t tell you how many times folks in cars, RVs, even semi trucks do this. Or even worse, turn into the far lane!! ARGH!!!! Makes me crazy!
Even though I haven’t bought my RV yet, I read this newsletter every day. As a former truck driver, and you can’t be responsible for anybody that runs in behind you, I can tell you that right turn on red is dangerous for a longer vehicle. It takes you longer to get around the corner. If you get rear-ended, it’s your fault. It’s like U turn,s you just don’t do it.
Not quite sure what you’re saying here. I get the “taking longer to get around the corner” part-37′ motorhome with a toad here-but when is a rear-ender your fault?
For RV operators it may be useful to know that this is only true in the following states: AK, CA, CO, DC, GA, ID, ME, MN, MT, NY, OH, RI, UT, VT, and VA.
In all other states, it is allowed to turn right on a red arrow the same as a red circular.
In Michigan for example, MCL 257.612(1) states:
Your description of “yielding” is a little different than what I taught my teenage daughter. I explained to her that a yield sign is a stop sign until you can confirm it is safe to proceed, at which point is magically changes to a go sign. Based on her driving before and after this simple lesson, I believe I have prevented at least one wreck
Not mentioned here is the lesser-known ability to also make a left on red if turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street if you’re in the leftmost lane. Same principle – you’re not crossing any lanes of cross traffic.
My pet peeve is when someone speeds up to pass you on the highway just so they get in front of you to immediately slow down to get off at the next exit.
The law in NY State indicates you ‘may’ make a Right on Red, if it is clear to do so. The key word is MAY. Theres nothing in the law that states you HAVE TO.
The majority of people think that I Must make a right on Red, and they become psychotic when I simply wait for a Green Light, which is entirely within my right to do so. Not to mention that it is MUCH SAFER.