if there’s no sign prohibiting it and you check that you have the right of way. If you don’t, you could end up with a Class C misdemeanor, a $111.50 fine, up to 30 days in jail, and four demerit points.

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Can you turn right on red in Tennessee?

Yes, right turns on red lights are permitted throughout Tennessee. There are only a few exceptions: You must have the right of way and you must obey any signs at the intersection.

So if you arrive at an intersection with a red light, under

Tennessee Code Section 55-8-110

, you should do the following:

Make a complete stop

Check for a “No Turn on Red” sign

Signal a right turn

Check that there’s no oncoming traffic in the lane you wish to turn into

Check that there are no pedestrians crossing

Make your right turn into the lane closest to you

You might also see a red light with a green arrow underneath it—that means that traffic is stopped for everyone except drivers turning in the direction of the arrow. Make your turn cautiously after checking that your way is clear of other cars and pedestrians.

If you see a flashing red light, treat it like a stop sign. After making a complete stop and checking that you have the right of way, complete your right turn.

Key Takeaway You can turn right on a red light at an intersection as long as there aren’t any other cars or pedestrians in your way or a sign that prohibits you from doing so.

What about left turns on red?

Left turns on a red light at an intersection are allowed if you’re turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street in the correct direction. As always, check for other cars and pedestrians before making your turn.

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Penalties for an illegal right turn on red in Tennessee

An improper right turn on a red light is a Class C misdemeanor in Tennessee. You could be fined $111.50 (plus court costs and fees) and spend up to 30 days in jail or receive four demerit points on your driving record.

Remember that 12 points in as many months will lead to a

license suspension

. To reinstate it, you might have to pay additional fines and complete a

remedial driving course

Of course, negative consequences will increase your penalties. If you injured or killed anyone, caused an accident, or were caught speeding at the same time, you should expect a heftier sentence.

It’s not just the state courts that’ll charge you, either. Violations on your

Tennessee driving record

are likely to raise your insurance premiums. Insurance companies are very risk-averse, so the safer you drive, the lower your rates.

MORE:

Does running a red light increase your car insurance rates?

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