Do You Legally Have To Go Right On Red?

The right on red intersection structure has been around as long as most of us can remember, but how do we use it effectively and are we always expected to use it?

Have you ever pulled up to an intersection to make a right turn and had someone behind you beep their car horn? I have had that happen to me, and generally I'm not making that turn because pushing my car into busy oncoming traffic isn't really something that I like to do. Just because we CAN go right on red doesn't mean we always HAVE to.

For me, right on red is more a choice. If you want to keep things moving, and it's safe for you to go, make that turn and carry on. If you want to sit and wait for a green light that it also totally up to you.

Right on red history lesson

How does right on red work in New York?

It's actually kind of complicated. It depends on where you are in New York if you can even make a right turn on red. For instance, in much of New York City, unless indicated, you cannot turn right on red. In other areas of the state there are clear guidelines that have to be followed before making that turn, according to ticket defenders.

After stopping, you are required to yield the right of way to both oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.

One thing that needs to be stated is that right on red is not a yield. It is a full stop and you can only go once it is safe. You don't automatically get the right of way. I think this is where people get confused. They think they can just roll through and push their way in. Don't do that.

Read More: Do Pedestrians Always Have Right of Way in NY?

In closing, I think right on red keeps traffic flowing, but it also comes down to how comfortable you are. If the light is red and you are more comfortable with waiting until you clearly have the green, that is a decision that is totally up to you. Don't let someone bully you into making the right if you're not ready.