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Can you make a right turn on a red arrow?

Judy Carolina Beach, North Carolina CA asks: I am a 66 yr. old retired female who has never had an auto accident or a traffic ticket. My husband and I have a disagreement regarding the red arrow regulations. And, by the way, he has had many traffic tickets! The rule says that a red arrow means top. But it does not say you may then go before the light turns green. My husband treats red arrows as red circular lights and turns right when the way is clear.I believe that we should not turn on a red arrow. Please clarify this rule for us before we have to start taking separate cars. Thank you!

Hello Judy, You are correct, unlike a solid red light, a red arrow light requires that you remain stopped until the light changes. You are not allowed to turn against a red arrow under any circumstance (unless a police officer directs you to do so).

So you may tell your husband, gracefully, that he may be ticketed if an officer observes him turning against a red arrow light.

I wish you both safety and happiness as you continue to drive down the road of life together (hopefully in the same car)!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

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NCDOT / North Carolina DMV Resources