SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
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At a steady red right arrow, which rule works safely across states?

Stop; turn only if law or a sign allows it.

  1. Turn after stopping in every state
  2. Never turn in any state
  3. Stop; turn only where law or signs allow ✔

Why: California and New York prohibit the turn. The national standard allows another traffic device to permit it, so obey local law and signs.

Huh, didn't know that: Tennessee generally allows right turns on red unless a sign prohibits them.

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Why did the red arrow refuse to move? It was very set in its ways.
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References

Answer: Stop; turn only where law or signs allow. California and New York prohibit the turn. The national standard allows another traffic device to permit it, so obey local law and signs.

  1. California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road
    A red arrow means STOP. Do not turn at a red arrow.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4 dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-4-traffic-control
    A right or left turn on red is not permitted at a red arrow.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  3. MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 4A.03 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Editionr1/mutcd11theditionr1hl.pdf
    When a traffic control device is in place permitting a turn on a steady RED ARROW signal indication
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  4. Tennessee DOT Traffic Design Manual, Right Turn On Red www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/traffic-engineering/manual-8-11/CHAPTER%207%20-%20TRAFFIC%20SIGNAL%20DESIGN%20-%20OPERATIONS%20AND%20COORDINATION.pdf
    RTOR Allowed: A steady circular red (typically used) or a steady red arrow plus a LED blank-out (illuminated) R10-17a sign.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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