How to Make a Right Turn on a Red Light in Texas

Making a right turn on a red light is legal in Texas.

Making a right turn on a red light can get you to your destination more quickly, but it may also earn you a traffic ticket if performed incorrectly. Red lights require drivers to stop, regardless of the direction they are driving or their individual intent. If you want to protect yourself from a costly ticket as well as keep yourself and your passengers safe, it is important to learn the correct method for making a "right on red" turn.

Instructions

1. Stop your vehicle behind the crosswalk or painted stop bar. Your vehicle must come to a full and complete stop.

2. Check for traffic in both directions on the street you are about to enter. This helps prevent accidents and close calls.

3. Check all crosswalks for the presence of pedestrians. Crosswalks to check include the crosswalk on your current street as well as the one you are about to enter.

4. Pull out onto the street slowly and complete your turn.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to examine signs closely at intersections; some intersections may not allow for right turns on red lights and others may prohibit such turns during certain times of day.

References

• Dallas City Hall: Red Light Camera Safety Program: How to Prevent a Red Light Violation
• Texas Highwayman: Texas Traffic Laws (and Good Driving Habits)