Many Missouri drivers rely on the right-turn-on-red maneuver to navigate intersections efficiently. This seemingly simple action can, however, lead to accidents if not performed correctly. Understanding the rules and exercising caution are crucial for safe and legal right turns on red in Missouri.
The Importance of Right on Red
This Article Includes
The ability to turn right on a red light, after coming to a complete stop and yielding the right of way, helps to improve traffic flow, especially during peak hours. This reduces congestion and allows for smoother movement of vehicles. However, it’s important to prioritize safety over convenience. Always prioritize coming to a complete stop and yielding the right of way to avoid accidents.
Disclaimer and Legal Reference
Traffic laws can be subject to change. It’s always recommended to consult the official resources provided by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) for the most up-to-date information on traffic regulations. The DOR website (https://dor.mo.gov/) provides a comprehensive driver’s manual that outlines the right-on-red rule and other important traffic laws.
Coming to a Complete Stop
The foundation of a safe right turn on red in Missouri is coming to a complete stop before entering the intersection. This may seem obvious, but many drivers engage in “rolling stops,” where they slow down but don’t come to a full stop. This is a dangerous practice that can lead to accidents.
A complete stop means your vehicle is motionless for a perceptible period before proceeding. Imagine a police officer observing your turn. Would they consider your stop complete? If not, you haven’t followed the law and risk getting a ticket or, worse, causing an accident.
Yielding the Right of Way
Even after a complete stop, you cannot proceed with your right turn on red if there’s oncoming traffic with a green light or pedestrians in the crosswalk. Yielding the right of way means giving them the space and time to cross the intersection safely before you make your turn.
Here are some specific situations where you must yield the right of way:
- Oncoming traffic with a green light: This includes vehicles traveling straight through the intersection and those turning left in front of you. Never attempt to beat a yellow light that’s turning red.
- Pedestrians in the crosswalk: Pedestrians always have the right of way in crosswalks, regardless of the traffic light signal. This includes pedestrians who seem to be waiting or walking slowly. Make sure they have completely crossed the street before proceeding.
- Turning vehicles from the opposite direction: Be aware of vehicles turning left from the oncoming lane. They might have a green arrow allowing them to turn while you wait for a red light.
No Turn on Red Signs
Not all intersections allow right turns on red. Look out for “No Turn on Red” signs posted near the traffic light. These signs take precedence over the general right-on-red rule. Reasons for such signs might include:
- High pedestrian traffic areas: Intersections near schools, hospitals, or busy shopping districts might have these signs to prioritize pedestrian safety.
- Poor visibility: If the intersection has limited visibility due to obstructions, curves, or landscaping, a “No Turn on Red” sign might be present to prevent accidents.
Additional Considerations
- Multiple Right-Turn Lanes: When multiple right-turn lanes are available, stay in your designated lane throughout the turn. Don’t drift into another lane to get ahead of other vehicles.
- Motorcycles: Motorcycles have the same right-of-way rules as other vehicles when making a right turn on red. Be extra vigilant when checking for oncoming traffic, as motorcycles can be harder to see due to their smaller size.
Optional: Left Turn on Red from One-Way Streets
It’s important to note that a left turn on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street is legal in the neighboring state of Kansas, but not in Missouri. Missouri law only permits right turns on red after coming to a complete stop and yielding the right of way.
Stay tuned for the next section where we’ll discuss safety tips for making right turns on red in Missouri!
