In Illinois, drivers are permitted to make a right turn on a red light so long as there is no sign prohibiting this. Of course, all drivers should make a complete stop at a red light and only proceed with their turn after yielding to both pedestrians and oncoming traffic.

Most drivers know that a red light means it's time to stop. But throughout the U.S., drivers are usually permitted to turn right after stopping at a red light, so long as no state or county sign bans this practice at certain intersections.

Of course, if you make a right turn at an intersection where a sign is posted prohibiting it, you can find yourself the recipient of both a fine and demerit points in Illinois.

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Can you turn right on red in Illinois?

According to Illinois Statute

11-306

, making a right turn on a red light is legal so long as the following are abided by:

The driver can clearly see oncoming traffic

The turning driver yields to pedestrians and oncoming traffic

No posted county or state signs bar turning right on red at the intersection

As a rule of thumb, always keep your eyes peeled for a sign prohibiting right turns at red lights. Most U.S. drivers are accustomed to being able to turn right on a red, so missing a sign barring you from doing so isn’t that difficult.

In Illinois, if you come across a flashing red light, make a complete stop before checking for pedestrians and any oncoming traffic. Once the road is clear, you can make your right turn at the flashing red light.

If you see a steady red arrow, this means you cannot enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the red arrow. You can only enter the intersection to make a movement indicated by a green arrow.

What about left turns on red?

In Illinois, you are permitted to turn left on a red light under the following circumstance:

You are making a left turn on red from a one-way street to another one-way street.

Of course, remember to proceed with caution and always follow the rules of the road.

Penalties for an illegal right turn on red in Illinois

You can be hit with significant fines and demerit points if you violate the stoplight statute in Illinois. The penalties for violations are as follows:

$120 fine for a stop sign or stoplight violation

$100 fine for a red light camera ticket

20 demerit points added to your driving record for a stoplight violation conviction

As is evident, a stoplight violation in Illinois can cost you monetarily and in demerit points. The more points that you get on your record, the higher the likelihood that your insurance premium can rise significantly at your next renewal period. Insurers see big penalties as signs that you may be a high-risk driver, and will raise your premium accordingly. The best way to keep your premium low is to maintain a

clean driving record

, no matter the state you drive in.

MORE:

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