Pennsylvania, like many states in the U.S., allows drivers to make right turns at red lights under certain conditions. This practice, known as “Right Turn on Red” (RTOR), is a common traffic regulation that helps improve traffic flow while emphasizing safety. Here’s what drivers need to know about making right turns at red lights in Pennsylvania:
Basic Requirements for Right Turns on Red
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Complete Stop: Before making a right turn on red, drivers must come to a complete stop at the red light. A rolling stop is not acceptable; the vehicle must halt completely to ensure the driver can assess the intersection safely.
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Yield to Traffic and Pedestrians: After stopping, drivers must yield to pedestrians and other traffic. This includes vehicles with a green light and pedestrians in crosswalks.
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Check for Signs: Drivers should always check for “No Turn on Red” signs. If such a sign is posted, right turns on red are prohibited.
Specific Rules in Pennsylvania
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Right Turns on Red Lights: Generally allowed unless a “No Turn on Red” sign is present. Drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians and other traffic.
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Right Turns on Red Arrows: In Pennsylvania, a steady red arrow means drivers cannot turn in the direction the arrow points. However, the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual suggests that right turns on a red arrow are allowed if the arrow does not specifically prohibit it, but this can be confusing. Generally, it’s safer to wait for a green arrow or signal.
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Left Turns on Red: Allowed from a one-way street onto another one-way street, provided there is no sign prohibiting it. Drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians and other traffic.
Safety Considerations
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Pedestrian Safety: Always check for pedestrians in crosswalks before turning. Pedestrians have the right of way, and failing to yield can result in accidents.
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Oncoming Traffic: Be aware of vehicles approaching from the left or right. Yield to traffic with a green light and ensure it is safe to merge.
New Red Light Law (House Bill 590)
Pennsylvania has also introduced a new law, House Bill 590, which allows drivers to proceed through a red light under certain conditions, such as if the light appears to be malfunctioning or if the sensor fails to detect the vehicle. This law is particularly beneficial for motorcyclists, as traffic sensors often fail to detect motorcycles, causing the light to remain red indefinitely.
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Key Points:
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Drivers must come to a complete stop and ensure the light is unresponsive.
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Proceed with caution, treating the intersection like a stop sign.
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This law is not a “free pass” to ignore red lights but is intended to address issues with traffic light sensors.
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Pennsylvania allows right turns on red lights after a complete stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians, unless prohibited by a sign. The new red light law provides flexibility for drivers when dealing with malfunctioning traffic lights, emphasizing caution and responsible driving practices. Understanding these rules is crucial for safe and legal driving in Pennsylvania.
Sources:
- https://munley.com/new-red-light-law-takes-effect-pennsylvania/
- https://www.schmidtkramer.com/blog/liability-for-pennsylvania-right-turn-collisions.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
- https://www.dot.state.pa.us/Public/DVSPubsForms/BDL/BDL%20Manuals/Manuals/PA%20Drivers%20Manual%20By%20Chapter/English/chapter_2.pdf
