Can You Turn Right on Red in Oregon?

Right turns on red are legal in Oregon unless there’s a sign posted at the intersection prohibiting the turn.
Written by John Pickhaver
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Updated on Mar 23, 2023
Most of the time, making a right turn on red in Oregon is completely legal provided that you give the right of way to pedestrians and other drivers. But keep in mind, local municipalities often have their own rules regarding turning right on red, which is why it’s important to check for a sign before you turn. 
A steady or solid red traffic light indicates that you must stop, but within most of the U.S., you are allowed to turn right on red after stopping. 
The word to pay attention to is “most.” That’s because making a right turn on red is not always permitted. It is key to be informed of the rules in your state to avoid getting ticketed.  
Thankfully, you can rely on the
car insurance
broker app
Jerry
to provide you with all the critical info about making a right turn on red in Oregon and what happens if you don't follow the rules. Plus, stick around for some tips on how to save on your
Oregon insurance costs
.
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Can you turn right on red in Oregon?

You can make a right turn on red in Oregon provided that there is not a sign specifying that it is prohibited. According to
Section 811.360
of Oregon’s Vehicle Code, right turns on a steady red light are allowed if:
  • You come to a complete stop beforehand
  • There's no sign preventing it
  • There’s no oncoming traffic
  • You remain out of the intersection while waiting
If you are approaching a flashing red light, Oregon law requires you to come to a full stop. You may proceed once pedestrians have crossed the street and it is safe to continue through the intersection.

What about left turns on red?

Oregon does permit drivers to turn left on red if they’re turning onto a one-way street. Remember to look out for oncoming traffic, and keep in mind that the right of way applies to other motorists and pedestrians. 
Key Takeaway Making a right turn on red is permitted, but make sure there is no sign posted that prohibits it. Also, always make a complete stop prior to turning.

Penalties for an illegal right turn on red in Oregon

Despite it being legal to make a right turn on red in Oregon, you can still get a ticket if you do so at an intersection that specifically bans it. 
If you turn right on red illegally, you may be subject to certain penalties like a fine, which begins to increase if you committed any of the following as well:
  • You failed to pay a previous ticket
  • You injured someone while turning right on red 
  • You failed to yield to other motorists or pedestrians while turning right on red
  • You failed to come to a full stop at the red light
  • You were
    speeding
    while turning right on red
Not sure whether you can turn right on red? Then just hang tight and wait until the light turns green to avoid any issues, especially if your driving record has points on it.
Like nearly all tickets, the expenses don’t end once you pay the fine. For instance, your
car insurance premium
will likely increase. If insurance providers see that you have a number of tickets or points on your driving record, they will be much more inclined to charge you at a higher rate.

How to find affordable car insurance in Oregon

You can keep insurance costs low by following traffic laws and maintaining safe driving habits. But even the safest drivers sometimes get a ticket or two. Fortunately,
Jerry
can find you affordable rates regardless of your driving behavior. 
Simply download the app, put in your info, and sit back as Jerry’s expert team hooks you up with quotes from top providers in just 45 seconds! Pick the one that best meets your needs, and the
trusted comparison tool
will handle it from there. Plus, did we mention Jerry users save $800+ a year on average for car insurance?
“I recently started looking for insurance. With my past ticket, I got rejected from several companies while others charged me extreme prices. My friend referred me to
Jerry
and their amazing customer service helped me get the lowest insurance rate.” —Christina H.
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