Kansas drivers often wonder about the specifics of making a right turn at a red light, especially with evolving traffic laws and the introduction of more red arrow signals. Here’s a comprehensive look at the current Kansas rules for right turns on red as of 2025.
Right Turn on Red: The Basic Rule
In Kansas, the law allows drivers to make a right turn at a steady red light or a steady red arrow after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign is posted prohibiting such a turn. Before proceeding, drivers must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles and pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or crosswalk.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Right Turn on Red
- Stop Completely: You must stop at the marked stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before entering the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection.
- Check for Prohibitive Signs: Look for any signs that say “No Turn on Red.” If such a sign is present, you must wait for a green signal.
- Yield Right-of-Way: Yield to vehicles already in the intersection and to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Proceed with Caution: If the way is clear and it is safe, you may make the right turn.
Red Arrow Signals
Kansas law treats a steady red arrow the same as a steady red circle for right turns. This means you can turn right on a red arrow after stopping and yielding, unless posted otherwise.
Special Circumstances
- Left Turn on Red (One-Way Streets): You may turn left on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street after stopping, unless prohibited by a sign.
- Motorcycles and Bicycles: If a red signal fails to detect a motorcycle or bicycle, the rider may proceed after stopping and ensuring it is safe, subject to the same right-of-way rules.
Key Points to Remember
- Always come to a full stop before turning right on red.
- Turning right on red is not allowed where signs prohibit it.
- Yield to pedestrians and all other traffic with the right-of-way.
- A red arrow is treated the same as a red circle for right turns.
Summary Table: Right Turn on Red in Kansas
| Signal Type | Right Turn Allowed? | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Steady Red Circle | Yes | Stop, yield, no prohibitive sign |
| Steady Red Arrow | Yes | Stop, yield, no prohibitive sign |
| Prohibitive Sign | No | Must wait for green |
Kansas traffic law emphasizes safety and courtesy. When in doubt, always yield and ensure the intersection is clear before making a right turn on red.
Sources:
- https://codes.findlaw.com/ks/chapter-8-automobiles-and-other-vehicles/ks-st-sect-8-1508/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/kansas/chapter-8/article-15/section-8-1545/
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/turn-red-arrow-signal-kansas-182535767.html
- https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/dlhb.pdf