Can I make a left turn at a red traffic signal?

In most cases, you are not allowed to turn left at a red traffic light unless you are turning from a one-way street onto another, and there are no signs prohibiting it. Always check the intersection for specific signage to confirm if left turns on red are allowed in your area.

Also, keep in mind:

• Check for signs: Look for posted signs indicating whether a left turn on red is permitted.
• One-way streets only: In most jurisdictions, left turns on red are only allowed when both streets are one-way.
• Full stop required: If permitted, you must come to a complete stop before making the turn.
• Yield to traffic: Ensure there are no approaching vehicles before turning left on red.

Even from a one-way street to another one-way street?

When I leave my parking garage to go home every evening, I stop at a traffic light right outside my building. It is on a
one-way street and it turns onto another one-way street going left. Can I turn left if the traffic is clear even though
the light is red? It depends. You need more information to answer this question. Specifically, you need to know what state I am in.

In Missouri, where I work, I cannot make that left turn on red even if it is
clear and safe to do so. This is because all left turns on red signals are illegal in Missouri. According to Missouri
Statute 304.281(3)(b) RSMo.:

The driver of a vehicle which is stopped as close as practicable at the entrance to the crosswalk on the near side of
the intersection or, if none, then at the entrance to the intersection in obedience to a red signal, may cautiously
enter the intersection to make a right turn but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic
proceeding…

Notice that the statute mentions that you may make a right turn on a red signal, but does not permit a left turn on a
red signal. Missouri is one of only six states that do not permit this. The others are South Dakota, Connecticut, Maine,
Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina. Some cities also prohibit this move including the District of Columbia and New
Your City.

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If I asked you the question above about the intersection and I was at our Belleville, Illinois
office, the answer would be different. I would be allowed to make a left turn on a red signal in Illinois under
certain circumstances:

Except when a sign is in place prohibiting a turn

and local authorities by ordinance or State authorities by rule or regulation prohibit any such turn, vehicular
traffic facing any steady red signal may cautiously enter the intersection to turn right, or to turn left from a
one-way street into a one-way street, after stopping as required by paragraph 1 or paragraph 2 of this
subsection. After stopping, the driver shall yield the right of way to any vehicle in the intersection or
approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time such driver is moving
across or within the intersection or junction or roadways. Such driver shall yield the right of way to pedestrians
within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk.

625 ILCS 5/11-306(a)(3).

So, Illinois, unlike Missouri, allows left turns on red from a one-way street to
another one-way street. But, be very cautious if you do make a left turn on red on Illinois, because the statute says
you must “yield the right of way” to approaching vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection or crosswalks.

Know the laws of the State where you are driving. It can save you a ticket, but more importantly, it can save lives.

Consult Our St. Louis Car Accident Attorney Today

Burger Law is a trusted St. Louis car accident law firm that can provide you with guidance and ensure your rights are protected if you’ve been in a crash. Our car accident attorneys work to prove fault in your collision, helping you avoid unnecessary losses and expenses. Call today at (314) 500-HURT.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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