Can You Turn Right on Red in Texas?
You can make a right turn on a red light in Texas unless there’s a sign prohibiting it.
Written by John Davis
Edited by Jessica Barrett
Under state law, you can turn right on red in Texas as long as you follow posted traffic signs and right-of-way rules.
- Check for traffic signs, pedestrians, and other drivers before you turn right on red.
- You can turn left on red if it’s from a one-way street to another one-way street.
- Penalties for an improper turn range from $150 to $275 plus two demerit points.
- Red light cameras are now illegal in Texas, though some are still operational.
- Check for traffic signs, pedestrians, and other drivers before you turn right on red.
- You can turn left on red if it’s from a one-way street to another one-way street.
- Penalties for an improper turn range from $150 to $275 plus two demerit points.
- Red light camerasare now illegal in Texas, though some are still operational.
Yes, you can turn right on red in Texas (in most cases)
That said, a right turn on a red traffic light isn’t the same thing as a right turn on a green light. Out of everybody at the intersection—drivers and pedestrians alike—you should make your turn last. Use your turn signal and yield the right of way to others first.
- Make a complete stop at the stop line at the intersection
- Be in the right turn lane
- Check for any signs that say “no turn on red”
- Signal a right turn
- Check for pedestrians in the crosswalk in front of the car
- Check for any oncoming traffic driving into the turning lane, especially if they have a green arrow
According to the TXDOT, you can also turn right on a flashing red signal—just treat it the same as a stop sign. Make a complete stop, let pedestrians cross, and turn when you have the
right of way
.Do not change lanes or exceed the speed limit while in the middle of an intersection! Law enforcement can pull you over for hazardous driving and increasing the risk of collisions.
Left turns on red are legal only in special circumstances
Texas law says you can only make a left turn at an intersection where a pair of one-way streets intersect—and you must respect the proper flow of traffic. As always, check for pedestrians and other motorists before making your move.
Penalties are moderately severe for an illegal right turn on red in Texas
A police officer can ticket you for an improper turn at a red light in the state of Texas.
If you ignore any traffic-control devices and break the traffic law, you could face consequences that include:
- A fine between $150 to $275
Drivers who accumulate too many
demerit points
risk suspension of their driver’s license at the DMV—or at the very least, a mandatory driver education course.The penalties will be more severe if an improper turn on a red light also results in:
- Injury or death to pedestrians
- Accidents resulting in injury or death to other motorists
Disclaimer: A mark on your driving record will also show up on your insurance bills in the form of higher
Texas insurance costs
. You may even be tagged as a high-risk driver
. If you want to bring your payments back down, you can turn to car insurance hacks
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