Sitting at a red light and questioning, Can you turn right on red in Texas, is a common experience for many drivers across the state. Confusion at intersections is one of the leading contributors to preventable car accidents. The rules aren’t always clear, especially when different traffic signals and signs come into play. Misunderstanding these laws doesn’t just result in a ticket—it can lead to real, sometimes severe, consequences. At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, our team has supported countless individuals hurt because another driver failed to follow the proper procedure at a red light. This guide was created to clarify the rules and help Texas drivers stay safe and informed every time they approach an intersection.
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Yes, in Texas, you can generally turn right on a red light unless a sign prohibits it. But there’s a catch—you must first come to a complete stop, yield to all pedestrians and vehicles, and only proceed when it’s absolutely safe.
That’s the general rule, but understanding signal lights helps avoid mistakes. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, here’s how arrow signals work:
These signals can override your typical right-on-red assumptions. Ignoring them is one of the top causes of red-light crashes across Texas.
Some intersections are specifically marked with signs that prohibit turning right on red. This is usually done for safety reasons—like high pedestrian traffic, poor visibility, or unusual intersection designs.
Under Section 544.007 of the Texas Transportation Code, red-light behavior is tightly regulated. If a sign says no right on red, you must obey it. Municipalities have the authority to install these signs anywhere they see fit.
Here’s how it works:
Missing these signs isn’t just dangerous—it’s considered a traffic violation.
Making an illegal right turn on red might seem like a minor traffic error, but the consequences can escalate quickly. Even a seemingly small misjudgment can lead to legal trouble, costly fines, and dangerous collisions. Violating Texas traffic law by turning right on red where prohibited could result in:
When an accident results from an improper right turn, the at-fault driver may be held legally and financially responsible for the damages. That includes medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost income, and even wrongful death claims in the most tragic cases.
Don’t face big insurance companies alone. Our award-winning lawyers have recovered over $100 million for clients just like you. We’re ready to put our 50+ years of combined experience to work, fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Yes, but only under very specific circumstances.
Texas law allows a left turn on red only when both intersecting streets are one-way and the driver is turning from the leftmost lane onto another one-way street. Before making the turn, a complete stop is mandatory, followed by yielding to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians. This rule is frequently misunderstood, especially by drivers accustomed to making right turns on red.
The key difference lies in the structure of the intersection. Turning left on red is never permitted when either of the roads is a two-way street. Doing so isn’t just incorrect—it’s illegal and may lead to a citation or traffic violation. Worse, it can result in a preventable crash with severe consequences. Misinterpreting this rule can endanger others and increase the risk of liability for injuries or property damage. Awareness of this exception is critical to safe and lawful driving in Texas.
Most states do allow right turns on red, but not all.
Traffic laws vary widely across the United States, and some regions take a much stricter stance. New York City, for example, prohibits right turns on red unless a sign explicitly permits it. Similar rules can be found in parts of California and other densely populated areas where pedestrian safety and traffic flow take priority.
Different states and cities implement these restrictions based on local traffic conditions, accident history, and public safety goals. Drivers unfamiliar with the rules in a new area can easily make a mistake that results in a fine—or worse, a collision. Paying close attention to posted signs and knowing the local rules goes a long way in preventing violations. What’s standard practice in Texas could be completely off-limits just a few states away. Staying informed about regional traffic laws is essential for avoiding legal trouble and driving responsibly in unfamiliar territory.
Car accidents caused by a right turn on red are more common than you might think. The most frequent scenarios include:
When these mistakes happen, serious injuries often follow. Victims can suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or worse. And when someone’s negligence leads to harm, they can be held liable for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you’re injured in a right-turn accident, proving fault becomes key. You’ll need:
A personal injury lawyer can help collect this evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
Drivers make honest mistakes, but when negligence causes harm, you have every right to seek justice. At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, we stand up for car accident victims who were hurt because another driver broke the rules.
If you’ve been injured in a collision involving a right turn on red, contact us at 817-920-9000 to schedule your free case review. We’ll explain your rights, investigate what happened, and fight to recover the compensation you deserve.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.
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