While California law generally permits right turns on red, San Francisco is considering banning the practice to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety.Here’s what you need to know:
- Current California Law: California law allows drivers to make a right turn at a red light after stopping and yielding to traffic and pedestrians, unless a sign prohibits it.
- San Francisco Proposal: San Francisco is considering a ban on right turns on red lights, which would make it the second-largest city in the U.S. to do so. Supervisor Dean Preston introduced the measure, asserting that allowing turns on red results in collisions and endangers pedestrians.
- Rationale for the Ban: Proponents argue that banning right turns on red would make roads safer for bicyclists and pedestrians and encourage walking. They also contend that it would reduce the number of serious injuries from car accidents.
- “Daylighting” Law: Starting in 2025, California’s “daylighting law” will be enforced, prohibiting parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk to ensure clear visibility for drivers.
Arguments for and against Right Turns on Red
- Proponents: The original implementation of right-hand turns on red lights came about through the 1975 Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which required states to allow the turns to receive federal funding. It was adopted as a way to cut down on idling cars at red lights during the 1970s oil crisis.
- Opponents: Opponents of right turns on red argue that the “right to drive is considered more senior than the right to live,” and that this needs to change. They also point to data indicating that pedestrian fatalities in car crashes reached a four-decade high across the country in 2021.
Other Considerations
- West Hollywood: Smaller cities like West Hollywood may also consider similar bans.
- Driver Awareness: Many drivers may not be aware of the specific rules regarding right turns on red, especially in areas with bike lanes or pedestrian crossings.
- Cautious Driving: Even where right turns on red are permitted, drivers should exercise caution, as visibility may be obstructed, and pedestrians may be present.
- Complete Stops: Drivers must come to a complete stop before turning right on a red light, or they may be ticketed.
- Yielding: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- One-Way Streets: Unless a sign prohibits it, drivers can turn left on a red light when moving from a one-way street to another one-way street.
Sources
[1] https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-10-03/san-francisco-considers-banning-right-hand-turns-on-red-lights
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskSF/comments/13ijskg/are_you_allowed_to_make_a_right_turn_on_red/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_turn_on_red
[4] https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/california/starting-in-2025-you-might-get-ticketed-in-some-spots-even-if-theres-no-red-curb/3707453/
