Florida’s New Rule on Right Turns at Red Lights: Everything You Need to Know

Florida Statute 316.075 clearly defines the regulations for making right turns at red lights in Florida. Drivers are permitted to turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, as long as there are no pedestrians or other cars in the junction. This law will go into effect in 2025. However, in order to comply with the law and keep the roads safe, drivers must be aware of certain conditions and factors that they need to take into account.

Legal Structure

Complete Stop Requirement: Drivers must come to a complete stop at the specified stop line, before entering the crosswalk, or at the intersection itself before making a right turn on red. This pause is essential for evaluating any approaching vehicles or people on foot.

• Yielding Right-of-Way: When making a right turn on red, cars must provide the right-of-way to any pedestrians and vehicles that are already in the intersection or coming from other directions. This means that even if a driver is turning right on red, they do not automatically have priority and must ensure it is safe to proceed.
• Prohibitive Signs: Drivers must follow the limitations when there are signs that say “No Turn on Red.” If you disregard this type of signage, you may be subject to traffic violations and penalties.

Special Considerations

• Multiple Right Turn Lanes: Drivers are allowed to turn right on red from any of the authorized lanes as long as there are no signs prohibiting it. No matter whether lane is used for the turn, the same yielding rules apply.
• Traffic Signals: Drivers are allowed to turn right when a traffic light shows a red arrow, unless there are signs that say they cannot. If there is a red arrow, it means that the signal is meant only for that particular lane of traffic.
• U-Turns and Right Turns: When a vehicle is doing a U-turn at a green light, it has the right-of-way over vehicles that are turning right on red. This frequently causes drivers to become confused, as they may incorrectly think that they have the right of way as they are turning.

Recommended Procedures for Drivers

Drivers should adhere to the following best practices in order to make right turns on red safely and legally:

• Before making a right turn at a red light, you must always come to a complete stop.
• Look for any signs that would indicate that going right on red is not allowed at that intersection.
• Make sure you provide the right of way to pedestrians and cars that are already at the junction.
• Be cautious of other drivers, particularly those who are making U-turns or other maneuvers that could impact your ability to turn safely.

In order to drive safely, it is important to understand Florida’s regulations regulating right turns on red. Drivers may help keep the roads safe and follow traffic laws by following three rules: coming to a complete stop, yielding when necessary, and paying attention to road signs. Keeping up to date with these regulations helps to prevent accidents and legal problems on Florida’s roadways when traffic patterns change and new updates are released.