Right Turn On Red: New Jersey's Law Explained

In the United States, making a right turn at a red light is generally permitted, unless a sign prohibits it. However, in the state of New Jersey, turning right on a red light has not always been legal. In 1977, New Jersey and New York simultaneously implemented this law, which was designed to save energy and reduce automobile pollution by cutting down on the time cars spent idling at stoplights. While this law created some confusion initially, with some motorists hesitant to make the turn even when permitted, it gradually became accepted and implemented across the country.

New Jersey's right turn on red law

In New Jersey, motorists are permitted to make a right turn at a red light, as long as they come to a full stop first. However, if there is a "No Turn on Red" sign posted at the intersection, turning right on a red light is prohibited. In this case, drivers must wait for the green light before turning right.

The law permitting right turns on red lights in New Jersey came into effect in 1977, following the Arab oil embargo of 1973. At the time, the federal government mandated that all states allow drivers to make a right turn after a complete stop at a red traffic signal, in an effort to save energy and reduce automobile pollution. While this law created some initial confusion and havoc, with many drivers unsure if they were allowed to turn right on red or not, it has since become a widely accepted practice across the United States.

Despite the law permitting right turns on red in New Jersey, some drivers in the state are still hesitant to make this manoeuvre. There are a few possible reasons for this hesitation. Firstly, New Jersey has a strong emphasis on pedestrian safety, and drivers are required to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists who have the right of way. Additionally, drivers must use proper turn signals and be aware of hard-to-see vehicles such as bicycles and mopeds. These factors may make drivers more cautious when approaching a red light, even if they have the legal right to turn.

Another reason for hesitation could be the fear of getting into an accident. Making a right turn on a red light requires drivers to carefully judge the gap in oncoming traffic and ensure it is safe to proceed. Some drivers may feel more comfortable waiting for the green light to ensure they have the right of way. Additionally, some drivers may be unsure of the legality of turning right on red, especially if they are new to driving in New Jersey or are not familiar with the specific traffic laws in the state.

While turning right on a red light is generally permitted in New Jersey, there are certain exceptions. For example, if there is a "No Turn on Red" sign posted, or if a driver fails to come to a complete stop before turning, they can be fined $52 to $202 and assessed three points on their driving record. Additionally, in some cases, a "Stop Here on Red" sign may be posted, indicating that drivers must stop at the stop line even if the intersection appears clear. These signs are typically installed when the design of the intersection may cause conflicts with turning traffic.

The law in other states

In the United States, right turns at a red light have been permitted in western states for over 50 years, and eastern states amended their traffic laws to allow it in the 1970s. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico have allowed right turns on red since 1980, except where prohibited by a sign or where right turns are controlled by dedicated traffic signals.

In New York City, right turns on red are prohibited unless a sign indicates otherwise. In some states, including New York, a right turn on red is prohibited when a red arrow is displayed. In Atlanta, Georgia, right turns on red will be prohibited from 2026. In Washington, DC, they will be banned from 2025.

In Canada, a driver may turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop unless a sign indicates otherwise. This is the same rule that applies in New York State. In the province of Quebec, turning right on a red light was illegal until a 2003 study showed that it did not lead to more accidents. Now, right turns on red are allowed in Quebec except where prohibited by a sign, or on the Island of Montreal.

In Mexico, right turns on red are generally allowed unless a sign indicates otherwise. However, Mexico City has implemented a new transit law that prohibits right turns on red.

In Europe, right turns on red are permitted in Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Slovenia, Russia, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Romania, provided that drivers give way to traffic and pedestrians. In the UK, left turns on red are prohibited.

The history of the law

In 1977, the federal government mandated that all states allow drivers to make a right turn at a red light after a complete stop. This was in response to the Arab oil embargo of 1973, which caused an energy crisis across the United States. The new law was designed to save energy and reduce automobile pollution by cutting down on the time that cars spent idling at stoplights.

However, the new law caused some confusion among drivers, with some unsure if they were allowed to turn right on a red light, and others simply unwilling to break the habit of stopping at a red light. In addition, some motorists failed to come to a full stop and exercise caution before turning, causing safety concerns. This was especially true for elderly, blind, and handicapped pedestrians, who were no longer assured that all traffic would stop when the light turned red.

Despite these initial challenges, the right turn on red law has persisted in New Jersey for over 40 years. Today, turning right on red is legal in the state unless a "No Turn on Red" sign is posted. Drivers must come to a full stop, yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and use a proper turn signal at least 100 feet before making the turn.

While the law has saved time for motorists, some argue that it has also led to increased traffic congestion due to drivers' hesitation to turn right on red. Additionally, the energy saved by turning right on red may be negated by the energy wasted while people continue to use their phones at stoplights.

Reasons why some drivers don't turn right on red

In 1977, New Jersey and New York began allowing right turns on red lights to save energy and reduce automobile pollution by cutting down on the time that cars spend idling at stoplights. However, some drivers in New Jersey are hesitant to turn right on a red light for several reasons.

Firstly, some drivers may be unaware of the law permitting right turns on red lights. This lack of knowledge could lead to confusion or uncertainty about their right of way, causing them to wait at the red light until it turns green.

Secondly, even if a right turn on red is legal, drivers are required to come to a full stop, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and look out for smaller vehicles like bicycles and mopeds. In busy areas with heavy traffic and pedestrian concentrations, drivers may find it challenging to make safe right turns on red due to limited visibility or the complexity of crossing multiple lanes of traffic.

Additionally, some drivers may be cautious or hesitant to turn right on red due to safety concerns, especially when turning across the path of oncoming traffic or in areas with a high volume of vulnerable road users, such as the elderly, blind, or handicapped individuals. They may prefer to wait for the green light to ensure a safer turning opportunity.

Moreover, specific intersections in New Jersey may have "No Turn on Red" or "Stop Here on Red" signs, prohibiting drivers from making right turns on red signals. Drivers who frequently travel through these intersections may develop a habit of waiting for the green light, even when they encounter a right turn on red without such signs.

Lastly, some drivers may simply be forgetful or slow to adapt to the rule change, preferring to maintain their established driving habits and routes rather than incorporating new turning options into their daily routines.

The process of changing the law

The New Jersey Code states that a driver intending to turn right at an intersection with traffic signals:

> "...shall proceed to make the turn upon a 'stop' or 'caution' signal with proper care to avoid accidents after coming to a full stop."

The state Driver's Manual also clarifies that:

> "Unless a No Turn on Red sign is posted, New Jersey law authorizes a right turn on a red light after a motorist comes to a full stop and checks for traffic."

Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists who have a green light. The law change in New Jersey caused some initial confusion, with some drivers hesitant to make the turn even when permitted. There were also concerns raised about the impact on elderly, blind, and handicapped pedestrians, as well as the lack of a suitable symbol to indicate "No Turn on Red."

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