Is it illegal to turn right on red in florida

TAMPA, Fla. — From time to time, on the Driving Tampa Bay Forward tip line, we get questioned about whether or not you can turn right on a red light.

You may have had this question yourself. You've been at an intersection and wondered "why isn't this person turning?"

Well, turning right on red isn't legal in every state. It also depends on the intersection.

The Florida Department of Transportation says:

"A red RIGHT arrow means that you must come to a complete stop at the marked stop line or before moving into the crosswalk or intersection. After stopping, you may turn RIGHT on the red arrow at most intersections if the way is clear. Some intersections display a "NO TURN ON RED" sign, which you must obey."

Here's the exact law from the Florida Highway Patrol:

FSS 316.075

(c) Steady red indication.—
1. Vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown; however:

a. The driver of a vehicle which is stopped at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection in obedience to a steady red signal may make a right turn, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic proceeding as directed by the signal at the intersection, except that municipal and county authorities may prohibit any such right turn against a steady red signal at any intersection, which prohibition shall be effective when a sign giving notice thereof is erected in a location visible to traffic approaching the intersection.

b. The driver of a vehicle on a one-way street that intersects another one-way street on which traffic moves to the left shall stop in obedience to a steady red signal, but may then make a left turn into the one-way street, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic proceeding as directed by the signal at the intersection, except that municipal and county authorities may prohibit any such left turn as described, which prohibition shall be effective when a sign giving notice thereof is attached to the traffic control signal device at the intersection.

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Right turns on red are generally legal in Florida, but you must yield right of way to other drivers and pedestrians. In addition, municipalities and counties are authorized to ban right turns on red at some intersections—so always check for a sign before you turn. 

A steady red traffic light usually has a simple meaning: stop. But in most of the United States, you’re actually allowed to turn right on red. 

Notice that “most”? Right turns on red aren’t legal at every intersection, so knowing the exact laws for your area is crucial if you want to avoid the hefty fines associated with right light violations. 

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Can you turn right on red in Florida?

The short answer: yes, unless there’s a sign posted at the intersection prohibiting right turns. 

According to

of the Florida Statutes, drivers may turn right at a steady red light (including a steady red arrow) if: 

• The driver has a view of approaching traffic 

• The driver yields right of way to pedestrians and other vehicles 

• Municipal and county authorities have not posted a sign prohibiting right turns on red at that intersection

In other words, the best way to determine whether a right turn on red is legal is to look for a sign. If there’s no sign and the intersection is clear, you’re free to turn—just make sure that you come to a complete stop before turning! 

If you’re at a flashing red light, Florida law requires you to treat it the same way you would a stop sign. A right turn is permitted, as long as you yield right of way and obey the rules of the road. 

What about left turns on red?

Like most parts of the country, Florida permits left turns on red only from a one-way street onto another one-way street. As always, you must watch carefully for oncoming traffic and yield the right of way to other drivers and pedestrians. 

Key Takeaway You can turn right on red as long as there’s no sign posted, but be sure to yield to pedestrians and other drivers. 

Penalties for an illegal right turn on red in Florida

Although it’s legal to turn right on red in Florida most of the time, it’s possible to get ticketed if you’re caught performing an illegal right on red at an intersection that bans it. 

The penalties for an illegal right on red vary depending on the exact circumstances of the violation, but you can expect a base fine of $158. In addition, you’ll see at least three points on your

. That fine could be increased, though, if: 

• You failed to yield to pedestrians or other drivers

• You were

  speeding

  at the time of the incident 

• You failed to come to a complete stop at the light

• Anyone was injured as a result of your illegal turn

• You failed to pay a previous ticket

Keep in mind that 12 points in 12 months will earn you a license suspension in Florida. When in doubt, you’re better off waiting for that light to turn green and avoiding the possible penalties—especially if you’ve already got points on your record. 

Not only will the actual ticket cost you,

once those points hit your record. Insurance companies want to see that you’re driving safely, and a violation of red light statutes isn’t the picture they want to see. 

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