Can you go right on red in Texas?

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Updated on Jun 1, 2022 · 3 min read

  • Can you turn right on red in Texas?
  • Penalties for an illegal right turn on red in Texas
  • How to find affordable car insurance in Texas

Texan

drivers can turn right on a red light as long as they follow posted traffic signs and right-of-way rules. You can even turn left on a red light if it’s from one one-way street to another one-way street. Penalties for an improper turn range from $150 to $275, plus two demerit points on your driving record.

Yes, you’re still following the law if you make a right turn on a red light in Texas! You just have to remember to check for traffic signs, pedestrians, and other drivers first. 

Just like having

good car insurance

, knowing the rules of the road gives you more confidence in bringing you and your passengers home safely. That’s why

Jerry

has your guide to the right-on-red rules of Texas, plus the potential penalties for violating them, as well as the left-on-red rules you should know.

Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds

Can you turn right on red in Texas?

Yes! It’s legal to turn right on a red light in Texas. That being said, a right turn on a red isn’t the same thing as a right turn on a green. Among everybody at the intersection—drivers and pedestrians alike—you should be making your turn last. Yield the right of way to others first.

Before making a right turn,

Section 544.007

of the Texas Transportation Code asks drivers to:

  • Make a complete stop at the intersection

  • Check for any signs prohibiting right-on-red turns

  • Check for pedestrians crossing in front of the car

  • Check for any cars coming into the turning lane

You can also turn right on a flashing red light—just treat it the same as a stop sign. Make a complete stop, let pedestrians cross, and turn when you have the right of way.

Key Takeaway Provided that you check for pedestrians and a clear path, you can turn right on a red light at any intersection in Texas.

What about left turns on red?

Left turns on red lights are also legal, but only in special circumstances. You can only make a left turn at an intersection where a pair of one-way streets intersect, and you must respect the proper flow of traffic. As always, check for pedestrians and other motorists before making your move.

Penalties for an illegal right turn on red in Texas

An improper turn at a red light in Texas could result in fines of $150 to $275, plus two demerit points on your driving record. Drivers who accumulate too many demerit points risk license suspension—or at the very least, a mandatory driver education course. 

Naturally, the penalties will be more severe if an improper turn on a red light also results in:

  • Injury or death to pedestrians

  • Accidents resulting in injury or death to other motorists

The consequences for making a hasty right turn don’t end there! A mark on your driving record will also show up on your insurance bills in the form of

increased premiums

. If you want to bring your payments back down, you can turn to

car insurance hacks

like taking a defensive driving course.

How to find affordable car insurance in Texas

Affordable car insurance isn’t just a matter of keeping a clean driving record—it also depends on whether you can find the right insurance company and policy for your needs. There can be an amazing range of different quotes for the same vehicle, so if you don’t comparison shop, how do you know you’re getting the best deal?

Use

Jerry

, the easiest and most effective way to compare insurance quotes! After providing you with a comprehensive analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. 

Jerry can even help cancel your old policy! So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better? The average user saves $887 a year on car insurance.

“My past tickets were making it hard to find affordable insurance. With

Jerry

, I went from paying $450/month to $273/month. They took care of everything—such a relief!” —Josephine R.

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    There are a handful of states that allow a left on red from a two-way to one-way street, but Texas does not. Unless both streets are one-way, you can not make a left on red.

    What states can turn right on red?

    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 lights.

    Is it okay to turn right on a red light?

    You may turn right on a red light if it's a solid red You must, at all costs, obey the lights – especially taking caution during a yellow light. When it comes to turning right on a red light, the first and most important step is to completely stop behind the limit line, a pedestrian lane, or the intersection line.

    Can I turn right on red in Houston?

    According to Thelma Rasmus, driving instructor for Broussard Driving School in Houston, in order to legally turn right on red, you must be on the farther right lane. It is illegal to turn right on the second lane if the traffic signal is red.