Under Alaska state law, it’s legal to make a right turn on red in the absence of a sign prohibiting the maneuver. That’s not an invitation to skate through intersections, though. Drivers need to come to a complete stop before turning and yield to pedestrians before proceeding.

Somehow the “Red Light, Green Light” game left out the rules about turning right on red. While it can seem unclear when you’re approaching an intersection, it’s usually permitted to make a right turn on red throughout the United States.

Let’s emphasize the word “usually,” here, because some intersections won’t allow drivers to legally turn right. To prevent yourself from winding up with penalties and points on your record, it’s a good idea to find out what’s approved by your state’s laws.

The

car insurance

shopping app

Jerry

has rounded up everything you need to know about right turns on red lights. We’ll cover what’s safe to do, what you should avoid, and what to expect if you find yourself on the wrong side of the law in Alaska.

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Can you turn right on red in Alaska?

Generally, it’s legal to turn right on red in Alaska. Before you do, you need to make sure there are no signs prohibiting the turn and allow pedestrians to safely cross the road first.

Under the

Alaska Admin Code

, a right turn can be made at a steady red light and/or steady red arrow in the following ways:

Drivers need to stop completely at an indicated stop line

Stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection

Stop before entering the intersection itself if the above indicators aren’t present

Any situation that involves pedestrians or other traffic signaled to pass through an intersection needs to be treated with care. Coming to a complete stop and giving pedestrians the right of way is essential to any legal right turn made in Alaska.

What about left turns on red?

One-way streets are fair game for making a left turn in Alaska, as long as you stop completely first. Always keep an eye out for signs prohibiting any turns before you make them. As long as there’s no indication you can’t turn, you’ll legally be able to proceed.

Key Takeaway Spotting road signs and allowing pedestrians to cross the road can prevent you from making an illegal turn in Alaska.

Penalties for an illegal right turn on red in Alaska

Keep in mind that rules come with exceptions, and if you miss a sign prohibiting a turn, you can wind up with a ticket and some serious penalties.

Each situation has unique repercussions, but the maximum fine you could be issued in Alaska runs between $75 and $150. The even worse news is you’ll receive four demerit points on your driving record, which could

have the greatest effect on your car insurance rates

If a red light or stop sign violation escalates to an accident that results in property damage, injuries, or death, you can be convicted of reckless driving or vehicular homicide, respectively.

MORE:

Does running a red light increase your car insurance rates?

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