247SimpleTests
DMV Permit · Turning

What is the rule for making a right turn on a red light (where permitted)?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Come to a complete stop first, yield to pedestrians and cross traffic, and turn only when it is safe and not prohibited by a sign

  1. A Never turn right on red anywhere
  2. B Turn without stopping
  3. C Right on red is allowed everywhere without stopping
  4. D Come to a complete stop first, yield to pedestrians and cross traffic, and turn only when it is safe and not prohibited by a sign

Why this is the answer

Where right turn on red is permitted, you must first come to a complete stop at the red light, then yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to cross traffic, and turn right only when there is a safe gap and no sign prohibits the turn. A 'No Turn on Red' sign means you must wait for a green light. Some intersections and jurisdictions restrict or forbid right on red, so always check for signs. Treating the maneuver as 'stop, yield, then turn when safe' — not a rolling turn — is the correct approach. This is a commonly tested turning rule.
Source: State driver handbook, Right Turn on Red

Practice more questions

This question is from our DMV Permit Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Turning and other topics.

Take the Rules of the Road practice test →

About this topic: Turning

Turning questions cover signalling distance, lane positioning before and after a turn, right-of-way when turning left, U-turn restrictions and turning at a red light. This is one of 9 Rules of the Road questions on turning, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our DMV Permit exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Turning

When making a right turn at a red light (where permitted), you must:

 Turning

Some states allow a left turn on red. When is this permitted?

 Turning

When making a left turn, you should:

 Turning

What is the meaning of a green arrow traffic signal?

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

DMV Permit Test Study Guide (Learner Editions)

State-by-state driver's license and learner's permit prep, road signs, and rules of the road in plain language.

Check Price → Study guide

Road Rules & Signs Workbook (Exambusters)

Targeted flashcard-style review of road signs, right-of-way rules, and speed limits for all 50 states.

Check Price → Study guide

Prepare for the Learner's Permit Test (Sterling)

Practice questions and explanations for teen and adult first-time driver license test takers.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →