DMV Permit · General

A driver is stopped at a red light and wants to turn right. There is a sign: 'NO TURN ON RED.' What must the driver do?

Correct answer

Wait for the green light before turning — 'NO TURN ON RED' signs are regulatory signs that prohibit turning at red lights; the sign overrides the general rule that right turns on red are permitted after stopping

  1. A Turn right only if no traffic is visible
  2. B Turn right after a brief stop
  3. C Wait for the green light before turning — 'NO TURN ON RED' signs are regulatory signs that prohibit turning at red lights; the sign overrides the general rule that right turns on red are permitted after stopping
  4. D Proceed through the red light to clear traffic

Why this is the answer

RIGHT TURN ON RED (RTOR): GENERAL RULE: In the US, right turns on red are permitted after a complete stop, yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, EXCEPT when prohibited by a sign or pavement marking; NO TURN ON RED SIGN: Located at intersections where RTOR is prohibited — often due to pedestrian safety concerns, visibility problems, or traffic volume; DRIVER OBLIGATION: When this sign is present, treat the red light the same as a solid red — wait for the green before turning; LOCATIONS: Common at pedestrian-heavy intersections, school zones, complex intersections; some cities (New York City) prohibit RTOR at all intersections unless otherwise marked; LEFT TURN ON RED: Permitted from a one-way street turning onto another one-way street in many states (after stop, yield to cross traffic); prohibited in others — check your state's specific rules.
Source: DMV Rules of the Road — No Turn on Red Sign

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