Can you turn right on red in New York City?
You are in New York City at a steady red light and want to turn right. When is it allowed?
The answer
In New York City, a right turn on red is not allowed unless a sign posted there permits it. Elsewhere in New York State, a right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it.
The DMV Driver's Manual says that a steady red light means stop, and you may turn right after stopping and yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians unless a NO TURN ON RED sign or other control prevents it.
It then states that you are not allowed to turn on a red light in New York City unless a sign that permits it is posted.
Exceptions
- A school bus driver carrying pupils cannot turn right on any red light.
- A left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way road onto another one-way road, after a full stop and yielding.
- A red arrow means no turn in the arrow's direction.
Why this rule matters for safety
Drivers turning on red must watch for pedestrians crossing with the signal and for cross traffic, and a full stop gives time to check.
Official sources
- Driver's Manual, Chapter 4: Traffic Control · NYS Department of Motor VehiclesTraffic Signals: steady red, right and left turns, NYC exception, school bus exception, red arrow. Page shows no revision date.
Rules checked against these sources on . Laws change. Confirm with the New York agency before you rely on this for a legal matter.
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