Roderick C. Lopez | February 13, 2025 | Car Accidents
Intersections can be a common spot for traffic collisions, with two or more streets crossing and drivers traveling in four or more directions. Although signals and signs can help direct traffic, confusion may also ensue when signs prohibit activity that’s normally legal.
Last year, Texas saw over 1,100 fatalities in intersection crashes, equating to roughly a fourth of all fatalities in vehicle collisions. Such accidents could be related to speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving. They may also occur when drivers disobey traffic laws, disregard signals, or fail to yield the right of way, including when turning right at a red light.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to the state, you need to know if and when it’s okay to turn right on red and when a right turn might be prohibited. Is it illegal to turn right on red at a stop light in Texas?
Understanding Signals and Signage
Texas law allows drivers to turn right on red, but it’s important to understand the difference between a “no right turn” sign vs. “no right turn on red.” According to Texas Transportation Code §544.007, drivers approaching a steady red signal may turn right after stopping and yielding the right of way.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. The Texas Transportation Commission, local municipal authorities, and county commissioners’ courts may post signs at intersections prohibiting right turns when the light is red. It’s up to drivers to pay attention and follow any signage amending road rules.
The Legal Procedure For Turning Right At a Red Light
If you want to turn right at a red light, and there’s no signage prohibiting it, you must still follow the proper procedure to ensure the safety of vehicles, pedestrians, and others on the roadway. This also applies to vehicles turning left if intersecting roadways are both one-way streets and a left turn is permitted.
The law first requires that vehicles come to a complete stop at the stop line when approaching a steady red signal. If there is not a clearly marked stop line, you must stop before you enter the crosswalk on the closest side of the intersection.
After stopping, you must give the right of way to cross traffic moving through the intersection, as well as pedestrians lawfully crossing at the adjacent crosswalk.
One occasion when a right turn might be prohibited is if a pedestrian or cyclist is in the adjacent crosswalk. Cyclist and pedestrian accidents can be especially harmful when it comes to serious injuries and fatalities. With over 800 pedestrian fatalities and over 100 cyclist fatalities last year, it’s essential for drivers to take care when turning right on red.
The Consequences of Illegally Turning Right on Red
Offenses related to a right turn on red could include turning violations, running a red light, or failure to yield the right of way.
The penalties for red light violations vary by county. However, they’re typically considered a Class C misdemeanor and may entail a fine not to exceed $500, barring other violations related to the incident. The greater consequence of failing to proceed lawfully when turning right at a red light is that you could cause a car accident.
What To Do If Another Driver Fails To Yield
If you’ve been injured in an intersection collision involving another driver who failed to yield when turning right on red, it’s important that you first seek medical help before collecting evidence and contacting a qualified attorney. Even if the other driver is at fault, you may need the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney to fight for compensation.
Contact the Laredo Car Accident Attorneys at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers. Call Us at (956) 529-7336
If you were injured in an accident in Laredo, TX, and need legal help, contact our Laredo car accident lawyers at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
We are located in Laredo, TX, proudly serving Webb County and surrounding areas. We are located in Laredo, Texas.
Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers
6557 Metro Court, Suite 1 Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 529-7336
