In California, the rules regarding making a right turn on red have been established under California Vehicle Code (CVC) 21457, which outlines the conditions under which drivers may legally turn right at a red light.

As of 2024, understanding these regulations is crucial for maintaining safety and compliance on the roads. Here’s a detailed overview of the right turn on red rule in California.

Key Provisions of CVC 21457

Permissive Right Turn

CVC 21457 allows drivers to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, provided certain conditions are met:

1. Stop and Yield: Before making the turn, drivers must stop at the red light and yield the right-of-way to all other traffic and pedestrians that have the right-of-way. This includes yielding to pedestrians crossing with a green signal.
2. No Turn on Red Signs: If a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted at the intersection, it is illegal to make a right turn on red. Drivers must wait for the light to turn green before proceeding.
3. Left Turns from One-Way Streets: Drivers are also allowed to make left turns on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street unless otherwise indicated by signage.

Two-Lane Right Turns

In California, it is legal for drivers in both lanes designated for right turns to make a turn on red, as long as there are no prohibitive signs and it is safe to do so. This means that if there are two lanes available for turning right, both can legally turn after stopping and yielding appropriately.

Safety Considerations

The law emphasizes pedestrian safety by requiring drivers to be particularly cautious when making a right turn on red:

• Pedestrians: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, ensuring their safety as they cross.
• Bicyclists: Bicyclists are subject to the same rules as motor vehicle drivers regarding right turns on red.

Legal Implications

Violating CVC 21457 can result in penalties, including fines and points added to the driver’s record. Common violations include:

• Turning right on red where prohibited by signage.
• Failing to yield to pedestrians or other vehicles with the right-of-way.

Recent Developments

As of 2024, discussions continue regarding the safety of right turns on red in urban areas like San Francisco, where officials have proposed restrictions at certain intersections due to concerns about pedestrian safety. However, such proposals have sparked debates about balancing traffic flow efficiency and safety.

Conclusion

In summary, California’s CVC 21457 establishes clear guidelines for making right turns on red lights. Drivers are permitted to turn right after stopping and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic unless otherwise indicated by signs.

Understanding these rules is essential for ensuring safe driving practices and compliance with state traffic laws. As discussions about potential changes continue in urban areas, it remains important for all drivers to stay informed about current regulations and practices at intersections throughout California.

Sources

1. https://dontpaytickets.com/pages/cvc-21457-californias-right-turn-on-red-law
2.  https://www.reddit.com/r/driving/comments/18zckpx/twolane_right_turn_on_red/
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
4. https://www.planetizen.com/news/2024/08/130961-san-francisco-officials-call-citywide-ban-right-turns-red