New Jersey continues to allow right turns at red lights, but recent updates and ongoing enforcement trends highlight the importance of understanding the specifics of the law and the exceptions that can lead to costly violations. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the current rules as of 2024, including how drivers should approach right turns on red, exceptions to the rule, and the penalties for failing to comply.
The Basic Rule: Right Turn on Red Is Permitted
In New Jersey, drivers are generally permitted to make a right turn at a red light, but only after coming to a complete stop. This rule applies at most intersections unless there is a posted sign explicitly prohibiting the maneuver.
The law requires that drivers stop before the stop line or crosswalk and yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians before proceeding with the turn. Rolling through a red light without stopping is considered a violation and can result in a ticket.
Key Requirements for Legal Right Turns on Red
To legally turn right on red in New Jersey, drivers must:
Come to a full and complete stop at the intersection, behind the stop line or crosswalk.
Yield the right of way to all vehicles and pedestrians, including those crossing the intersection or approaching from other directions.
Use a turn signal at least 100 feet before the intersection to signal the intention to turn.
Only proceed when it is safe and clear, taking extra caution for pedestrians, bicyclists, and oncoming vehicles.
Important Exceptions and Special Cases
There are several notable exceptions where right turns on red are not permitted:
No Turn on Red Signs: If a sign is posted prohibiting right turns on red, drivers must wait for a green signal before turning. Ignoring these signs is a traffic violation.
School Zones: During posted school hours, right turns on red are generally prohibited to protect children’s safety.
Double Red Lights: Some intersections use double red lights to signal that no turn is allowed until the light turns green.
Hazardous Intersections: Certain intersections may have additional signage or lane markings restricting right turns on red due to safety or visibility concerns.
Red Arrows and Right Turns
A red right arrow at an intersection is treated the same as a standard red light in New Jersey. Unless there is a posted sign prohibiting the turn, drivers may turn right after coming to a complete stop and yielding to all traffic and pedestrians.
However, some intersections may use signage such as “No Turn on Red Arrow” or “Turn on Green Only,” which must be obeyed. If such signage is present, right turns are not allowed until the signal changes.
Penalties for Violations
Failing to follow the right turn on red rules can result in significant penalties, including:
Fines ranging from $52 to $202 for a first offense, with higher penalties for repeat violations.
Three points added to your driver’s license, which can impact your insurance premiums.
Potential for more severe consequences if the violation results in an accident, especially involving pedestrians or bicyclists.
Safety Considerations
While the law permits right turns on red under certain conditions, drivers are urged to exercise caution. Visibility issues, unexpected pedestrian crossings, and misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic can all contribute to accidents. Always double-check for pedestrians and cyclists, and never rush the turn if conditions are unclear or unsafe.
New Jersey’s rules on right turns at red lights remain largely unchanged: right turns are allowed after a complete stop and proper yielding, except where signage or specific intersection conditions prohibit them.
Drivers should always be vigilant for posted restrictions, use their signals, and prioritize the safety of pedestrians and other road users. Failure to comply not only risks fines and points on your license but also endangers everyone at the intersection.
Sources
[1] https://morrisfocus.com/2024/04/24/insightful-update-new-jersey-traffic-regulation-shifts-emphasis-to-right-turn-on-red/
[2] https://www.newjerseytrafficlawcenter.com/traffic-laws/improper-turn-at-a-traffic-signal/
[3] https://flickitnow.com/blog/will-i-go-to-jail-for-running-a-red-light-in-new-jersey
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/newjersey/comments/1dynmmh/right_turn_on_red_arrow/
[5] https://topdriver.com/education-blog/right-turn-red-top-3-things-need-know/
