Rules for turning right at a red light

Before turning right at a red light, you must:

• Stop your vehicle before the stop line or crosswalk;

• Check for a sign prohibiting turning right at the red light;

• Yield the way to other road users who are entering or about to enter the intersection; and

• Make sure that there are no pedestrians or cyclists coming on your right.

Pedestrians always have the right of way if a light allows them to cross. If there is no pedestrian light, they have the right of way on the green light.

Watching out for other users

Turning right at a red light is a privilege. If you decide to do this, be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists.

When you ride a bicycle, you must follow the same rules as vehicle drivers when turning right on a red light.

Signs prohibiting turning right at a red light may be posted at certain intersections for the following reasons:

• insufficient visibility distance;

• restricted lane width so that trucks and buses encroach on opposing lanes;

• the unusual shape of the intersection;

• there is a protected zone with a pedestrian light;

• a significant number of pedestrians or cyclists crossing at the intersection;

• the proximity of a railroad; and

• a conflict between the right turn manoeuvre at a red light and the movements of visually impaired people.

Turning right on a red light is also prohibited if more than three accidents in the past 12-month period were caused by right turns.