Can You Turn Right on Red in Missouri?

Turning right at a red light is legal in Missouri unless there’s a sign prohibiting it.
Written by Melanie Johnson
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Updated on Mar 23, 2023
Right turns on red lights are legal in Missouri, as long as you yield to other drivers and pedestrians. Local governments are allowed to ban turning right on red at some intersections, so you should always check for a sign before turning. 
A steady or blinking red light usually means stop, but in most parts of the country, you’re actually permitted to turn right on red—albeit with some restrictions. 
Turning right on red isn’t legal at every intersection, so knowing your state’s laws is important if you want to avoid fines and other penalties. 
Thankfully
car insurance
comparison and broker app
Jerry
is here to walk you through turning right on red in Missouri. In this article, we’ll talk about the legality of turning right on red, the exceptions to the law, and the punishment for breaking it. Plus, stick around till the end for some extra tips for how to save on your
Missouri insurance costs
.
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Can you turn right on red in Missouri?

Yes. You can turn right on red in Missouri, as long as there isn’t a posted sign at the intersection that prohibits the turn.
According to Title XIX, Chapter 304 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, a driver may turn right at a steady or blinking red light if: 
  • There is no posted sign at the intersection prohibiting right turns on red
  • The driver first yields right of way to pedestrians and other traffic
  • The driver has a clear view of approaching traffic
In short, the best way to make sure a right turn on red is legal is to look for a posted sign
If there isn’t a sign, and turning right on red can be accomplished safely, you’re free to turn. Just make sure to come to a complete stop first, and proceed with caution, keeping an eye out for other drivers and pedestrians.

What about left turns on red?

Turning left on red is always illegal in Missouri. 
Unlike many parts of the country, Missouri does not permit turning left on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street. In this circumstance, drivers are expected to wait at the intersection until the light turns green before proceeding. 
Key Takeaway You may turn right on red in Missouri as long as there’s no posted sign banning it—but always make sure to yield to pedestrians and approaching traffic. 

Penalties for an illegal right turn on red in Missouri

While it’s legal to make a right turn on red in Missouri the majority of the time, it’s still possible to be ticketed for performing an illegal right on red turn. 
A right turn at a red light that violates Missouri law is a misdemeanor offense and carries a range of possible penalties. The most common penalty is a fine of about $99, but fines can be as much as $500. In severe cases, you could face jail time of up to one year.
You will also incur points to your
Missouri driver record
. Accumulating eight points over 18 months will result in
license suspension
.
Some
traffic tickets can cause your car insurance premium to rise
. Insurance companies penalize negligent driving behavior with increased costs. After a right-on-red violation, you’re seen as riskier to insure and, as a result, will face higher monthly premiums.
Key Takeaway If you’re uncertain whether turning right on red can be accomplished safely, it’s best to wait for the light to turn green before proceeding.

How to find affordable car insurance in Missouri

Obeying traffic laws is a great way to keep your car insurance premium low. Another way is to use the
Jerry
app to search for the best low rate!
A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies. In under a minute, you’ll have dozens of tailored rates to choose from. Once you decide which plan is best for you, Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.
To make sure you always have the lowest rate, the
trusted comparison tool
will send you new quotes when your policy is up for renewal—with Jerry, you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price. This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.
“Without a doubt, using
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