You’re legally allowed to turn right on red in Minnesota so long as there is no sign at the traffic light that prohibits the turn. You must also make sure you grant the right of way to other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians.

As you approach a red light, you must come to a stop even if you’re planning on turning right. While it’s legal to turn right on red in Minnesota, that doesn’t mean you can do so at every red light you encounter. If you’re pulled over for making an illegal righthand turn at a red light, you could be looking at a fee of hundreds of dollars.

Here to answer any questions you may have about the right-on-red rule in Minnesota is

car insurance

comparison app and broker

Jerry

. In this article, we’ll talk about when it’s okay to make a right on red, the potential consequences of making this turn illegally, and some tips for saving on

Minnesota insurance costs

Can you turn right on red in Minnesota?

Yes, Minnesota law permits drivers to turn right on red as long as there isn’t a no turn on red sign posted at the intersection. It’s important to keep an eye out for these signs, which are usually positioned beside the traffic light or on the side of the road, like a yield or stop sign. If you turn right at a red light and one of these signs is posted—not only are you making a dangerous maneuver, but you’re also breaking the law.

When no such sign is present, you can make your turn—just be sure to proceed carefully. You must yield the right of way to drivers going straight at the intersection or cyclists and pedestrians traveling across the roadway.

If you come to a flashing red light, proceed the same way you would at a stop sign. Make a complete stop and be sure to yield the right of way to a vehicle that approaches the intersection ahead of you.

MORE:

Minnesota car insurance laws—all you need to know

What about left turns on red?

State laws generally agree that you are permitted to turn left on red only if you are turning off of a one-way street onto another one-way street. As mentioned, use the utmost caution when taking legal turns on red.

Key Takeaway Turning right on red must be done carefully and only when there are no signs at the intersection barring you from doing so. You must always grant the right of way to cars driving straight, cyclists, and pedestrians.

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Penalties for an illegal right turn on red in Minnesota

In most cases, red light or stop sign violations are viewed as petty misdemeanors in Minnesota. In other words, you’re facing a fine of up to $300.

More severe violations can carry heavier penalties. If you were speeding as you took an unlawful turn on red you could get hit with a

reckless driving charge

. In some scenarios,

losing your license for speeding

is also a possibility. If someone is injured or killed as a result of your driving, a vehicular homicide charge may apply.

MORE:

Does running a red light increase your car insurance rates?

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How to find affordable car insurance in Minnesota

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