Under what conditions can you legally turn right at a red light?

Turning right at a red light is permitted in many jurisdictions, but it comes with important safety considerations. The correct approach involves coming to a complete stop at the red light before making the turn. This action allows you to assess the intersection for any oncoming traffic, pedestrians, or other potential hazards. By ensuring that it is safe to proceed before turning, you reduce the risk of accidents, demonstrating responsible driving behavior.

While it's true that other conditions can enhance the safety of a right turn on red, such as the absence of nearby traffic or the presence of signage allowing it, the fundamental step of coming to a complete stop is essential in all situations according to traffic laws. The presence of a sign explicitly permitting the turn or the lack of traffic can also be factors that ease a driver's decision, but they are secondary to the primary responsibility of ensuring safety through a complete stop.