In Louisiana, as of 2025, the rules for making a right turn on red remain consistent with previous years and are governed by state law. Here’s what drivers need to know:
- Permitted Right Turn: You are allowed to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a posted sign specifically prohibits the turn.
- Mandatory Full Stop: Before turning, you must come to a complete stop at the marked stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection.
- Yielding Requirements: After stopping, you must yield to all pedestrians in the crosswalk and any oncoming vehicles with the right-of-way.
- Signage Matters: If there is a “No Turn on Red” sign at the intersection, you are not allowed to turn right on red at that location.
- Red Arrow Exception: A right turn on red is not permitted when facing a solid red arrow; you must wait for the arrow to turn green before proceeding.
Fines and Enforcement
Violating the right turn on red rule-such as failing to stop completely, turning where prohibited by signage, or failing to yield-can result in a traffic citation. Fines vary by parish; for example, Jefferson Parish imposes a fine of $193.75 for failure to yield or stop at a red light.
Special Situations: Left Turn on Red
- Left Turn on Red: Louisiana also allows a left turn on red, but only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, and only after coming to a complete stop and yielding to other traffic and pedestrians. This is not permitted from a two-way street or where signs prohibit it.
How to Comply: Step-by-Step
- Approach the intersection and stop fully at the red light.
- Check for posted signs-look for “No Turn on Red” indicators.
- Yield to all pedestrians in the crosswalk and any vehicles with the right-of-way.
- Proceed with the right turn only if it is safe and legal to do so.
Key Takeaways
- Right turn on red is legal after a complete stop and if not prohibited by signage.
- Always yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
- Red arrow means no right turn on red.
- Left turn on red is allowed only from one-way to one-way streets, after stopping and yielding.
- Violations can result in fines and increased insurance premiums.
By following these updated rules, Louisiana drivers can ensure safe and lawful navigation of intersections in 2025.
Sources:
- https://lawyerdon.com/louisiana-traffic-law-turning-a-vehicle-right-or-left-on-red/
- https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=88198
- https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/revised-statutes/title-32/rs-32-101/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red