Ep. 57: Right Turns (on Red AND Green) Explained

You're first in line at a red light, waiting to turn right. The road looks clear to the driver behind you—but you're not moving. Then comes the horn. What they don't see is the pedestrian in the crosswalk, the "No Turn on Red" sign, or the red arrow facing you.

In this Off-the-Freeway Month episode, we tackle one of the most pressure-filled moments in everyday driving: right turns. From understanding when you can (and can't) turn right on red, to dealing with impatient drivers behind you, to the surprising rules about turning right on GREEN—this episode is about behavior, not just rules.

In This Episode

The Core Misconception:

• Why "allowed" doesn't mean "required"
• The visibility gap: What the second car in line can't see

Right Turns on Red:

• When it's legal (most of the U.S., unless posted)
• Red arrows vs. "No Turn on Red" signs—what's the difference?

The Honking Problem:

• Why drivers behind you honk (incomplete information, not malice)
• What they see vs. what you see

Behavioral Pressure:

• How feeling rushed changes decision-making
• Why low-speed intersections demand MORE attention, not less

Key Takeaways

✅ You are not required to turn right on red—even when it's legal
✅ Green doesn't always mean go—pedestrians may have right of way
✅ The driver behind you can't see what you see—don't let honking pressure you into unsafe moves
✅ Red arrows prohibit right turns—unless signage specifically allows it
✅ Rules vary by location—what's legal in your city may not be legal elsewhere

Discussion Question

Have you ever been honked at for doing the right thing at an intersection? Do you live somewhere with unusual right-turn rules? Email your story: freewaytrafficexpert@gmail.com

Helpful Resources

• Right Turn on Red Laws by State: AAA Digest of Motor Laws
• Pedestrian Right of Way Rules: NHTSA Pedestrian Safety
• NYC Traffic Rules: NYC DOT Right Turn Restrictions
• International Driving Rules: International Drivers Association
• Understanding Traffic Signals: FHWA Traffic Signal Guide

Resources & Links

• Free eBook: Drive Smarter Now
• YouTube: @MasteringTheCommute
• Facebook: @MasteringTheCommute
• Patreon (Bonus Episodes): Support the Show
• Email Randy:

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