Driving in the USA

[Nice_Couple]

Hi all, we're soon to be first time visitors to the USA and needed some advice with driving rules. The one rule we're not sure of is the "Turn Right on Red Signal". What are the rules for this, in Australia we're not allowed to turn on any red signal so Id like to advice on exactly how this rule works.
Can I make a right hand turn, if its safe to do so at any red signal? Or only red arrow signals?

Thanks all!

Nice Couple

 

[SPAM]

you can turn right at a red light, unless there is a sign against it, after you stop and make sure the coast is clear.

 

[brermomof2]

I don't know about Australian laws, but in most (maybe all) states it is the law to wear your seatbelt.

 

[Beth76]

Hi all, we're soon to be first time visitors to the USA and needed some advice with driving rules. The one rule we're not sure of is the "Turn Right on Red Signal". What are the rules for this, in Australia we're not allowed to turn on any red signal so Id like to advice on exactly how this rule works.
Can I make a right hand turn, if its safe to do so at any red signal? Or only red arrow signals?

There are no "red arrows". Sometimes there are green arrows though. If you want to make a right turn and the light is red, you must first stop (although, not everyone does), make sure the way is clear, then you can turn. There will be specific signs that say "no right turn on red" at certain intersections. If you have a green right arrow, you don't need to stop. Same if you have a green left arrow. But, if there's just a green light (no arrow) and you want to turn left, you must yield to oncoming traffic.

 

[Nice_Couple]

Thanks for the replies, as for seatbelts they have been manditory for many years in all states, its second nature to put it on once you get in the car, although now I'll have to reach over my left shoulder not right one

Cheers

 

[Hagred]

A blinking red means "Stop, then proceed when the way is clear"

A four-way stop is tricky: typically the first car arriving (and stopping) at the intersection is the first car to go through. However, when two cars arrive and stop at the same time, the one on the right goes first. If two cars are FACING each other and they stop at the 4-way at the same time, then they can both proceed at the same time if they're both going straight. However, if they stop at the same time and one of them is turning left, the car going straight has the right of way and goes first. (If the left turning car arrives and stops at the intersection first while you're still rolling, he has the right of way)

Aside from that, no eye-contact is a good idea. When a car is merging onto the highway, it's polite to move over to the left to allow him in (if you have an empty left lane and can safely move over to do so).

Of course, turning right on red is a given if the way is clear (and there are no signs telling you not to do that). But watch out for those center lane left-hand turn lights. I don't know how many people I've almost hit when they were making their right-hand turn on red, seeing that the oncoming cars have stopped going straight and they completely missed my left-hand turn onto the same road they wanted to turn right onto.

Enjoy your visit!

 

[crazyme5kids]

Check local state laws about certain rules. You can't make a right on red in NYC and it's borroughs.

 

[DisDuck]

Unfortunately, some people do not signal which way they are turning. Just turn. So at a 4-way Stop Sign intersection sometimes it is hard to determine who is going first as someone might make a turn without signaling.

 

[LadyyRedd]

And just to make things trickier, in some areas (I know in MD you can), you can make a left turn on red at one way intersections where only a left turn is possible, unless there is a sign posted stating no turn on red.

Kimya

 

[OhMari]

Please drive on the right hand side of the road. On some interstates, (double, or triple lane highways), the fastest lanes are on the left.

Many people do not use their turning lights, they just cut and turn in front of you.

In construction zones, watch your speed, there will be signs. Fines double in work zones.

Where are you traveling and driving to?

 

[Ted and Holly]

If you are driving in Florida, be sure to keep your eyes open at all intersections. Here more than anywhere else I have driven, people will run red lights. It is usually the guy who was far back when the light was green, but instead of stopping, they just go when the light turns red. I have seen busses and semis do it.

I am one to go when the light turns green, it took a while for me to get used to the defensive posture you need to take at intersections.

Ted

 

[ChristmasElf]

If you will driving around Orlando, traffic in some areas will be very heavy. Try to stay to the right as much as possible and beware of the nuts that drive while trying to read a road map!
The Florida Highway Patrol has been trying to crack down on the lead foots we have on the turnpike as well as the major highways we have.
Don't get caught speeding through any construction areas as the fines are doubled if you are caught.
Also, I try to wait just an extra second or 2 when the light changes to green to avoid getting hit by someone plowing through the red light on the other side.

 

[Scullyrules1013]

There are no "red arrows".

Not true! We have red arrows. However you cannot turn on a red arrow regardless of how clear the coast may be. I've seen them mostly on highways or major roads.

 

[Nice_Couple]

Thanks evryone for the advice, we will be driving in California and Orlando, Im sure I'll feel a bit more comfortable once I do a few laps around the block, on the "right" side of the road

Cheers

 

[roger_ramjet]

Hi all, we're soon to be first time visitors to the USA and needed some advice with driving rules. The one rule we're not sure of is the "Turn Right on Red Signal". What are the rules for this, in Australia we're not allowed to turn on any red signal so Id like to advice on exactly how this rule works.
Can I make a right hand turn, if its safe to do so at any red signal? Or only red arrow signals?

Thanks all!

Nice Couple

As a displaced Melburnian here, I'll bet you'll be just as glad as I am to not have to worry about those hook turns!

Just make sure you drive on the 'right' side of the road and you'll be set like jelly

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

And just to make things trickier, in some areas (I know in MD you can), you can make a left turn on red at one way intersections where only a left turn is possible, unless there is a sign posted stating no turn on red.

Kimya

To clarify (this is allowed in PA too)
Left on red, when not posted as "no turn on red", when turning from a one-way street to another on-way street. You can't turn left on red on to a two-way street or from a two-way street.

 

[bambii]

25 years old, so it is kind of a new thing here in america ,,

 

[Nice_Couple]

As a displaced Melburnian here, I'll bet you'll be just as glad as I am to not have to worry about those hook turns!

Just make sure you drive on the 'right' side of the road and you'll be set like jelly

Ahh hook turns are like second nature now, was a bit scarry when you learn to drive though, I still worry about someone running a red a t-boning you on the way through, *shutter* luckily I dont need to drive in the city every day

Cheers