Are you allowed to turn right on a red arrow in the US?

Central Avenue

The answer to the question is fairly simple: It depends on the laws of the particular state you're in. Some states allow right turns on red arrows, some states prohibit right turns on red arrows, and some states don't even install red arrows in the first place.

What I really find interesting is the thought process behind it. From conversations I've held elsewhere, I've found there are about an equal number of people who believe allowing the turn makes sense as people who believe prohibiting the turn makes sense. And, most interestingly, both sides seem to think their viewpoint is the most intuitive.

The argument for prohibiting the turn: A red arrow simply means "do not proceed in the direction indicated", even if the turn would otherwise be legal. For example, someone faced with this would be permitted to turn left, while someone faced with this would not. Similarly, while someone faced with this would be permitted to turn right, someone faced with this would not.

The argument for allowing the turn: Green and yellow arrows have the same meanings as circular green and yellow indications, but control only a specific movement. Thus, one would naturally expect the same to be true of a red arrow: it applies only to traffic turning in a particular direction, but the normal rules regarding a red indication (including right turns) remain in effect.

Which approach seems more intuitive to you guys?

Noimporta

Of course you can, it's America, you wouldn't let some petty rules get in the way of your FREEDOM.

 

In all seriousness, though, I don't see a problem with being allowed to turn right, as long as the other light is green. Turning left is problematic in two way streets, which is why those lights are implemented, turning right is just something you can normally do when you're allowed to move, so unless there's something explicitly prohibiting it, I don't see why you shouldn't be able to.

 

Unless I'm completely misinterpreting the situation.

Saturn

What Noimporta said. In my state, you can turn right on red arrows unless there is a sign that says "No turn on red"

glennmagusharvey

The argument for allowing the turn: Green and yellow arrows have the same meanings as circular green and yellow indications, but control only a specific movement. Thus, one would naturally expect the same to be true of a red arrow: it applies only to traffic turning in a particular direction, but the normal rules regarding a red indication (including right turns) remain in effect.

Thing is, for five-light stoplights, the left-turn yellow and green arrows are not contradicted by a red light when the straight is green or yellow.

That sad, I'm pretty sure the reason for turning right on red was to save gas from idling...which is a good thing.

 

Anyhow, my general experience is that right turns on red are legal, except:

* when there's a "no turn on red" sign

* in New York City (though possibly just Manhattan)

Formaldehyde

Red arrows? Like the green turn arrows? Or do you mean red lights?

Bee

Right turn on red light (or any turn on red that does not cross any lanes of traffic -- such as a left turn from a one-way onto another one-way) is legal.

Turning on a red arrow is generally illegal.  Red right arrows are usually used to signify higher-risk intersections, like fast expressways, particularly crowded city intersections, or a sketchy merge.  In these cases, even when you're not crossing traffic to make your turn, you're still risking getting rear-ended.