Mississippi drivers often ask about the rules for turning right at a red light, especially with recent updates and confusion around red arrows and signage. Here’s a clear breakdown of the current law as of 2025.
Can You Turn Right on Red in Mississippi?
- Yes, you may turn right on red in Mississippi after coming to a complete stop, as long as there is no sign posted that prohibits the turn.
- You must yield to all pedestrians in the crosswalk and any other vehicles already in the intersection before making your turn.
Key Points from the Law
- Complete Stop Required: You must come to a full stop at the red light before attempting a right turn. Rolling stops are illegal.
- Yielding: Always yield to pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk and to other vehicles lawfully using the intersection.
- Prohibitive Signs: If you see a sign stating “No Turn On Red,” you must wait for the green light before turning right.
- Red Arrow: Mississippi law treats a red arrow the same as a red light for right turns, meaning you may turn right after stopping unless a sign prohibits it.
- Left Turn on Red: You may only turn left on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it.
What the 2025 Driver’s Manual Says
“Usually, if a traffic signal is red, you may turn right AFTER you stop completely and make sure the way is clear. However, signs like these mean RIGHT TURNS ARE NEVER ALLOWED while the traffic signal is red. You must wait for the green light to turn right.”
Summary Table
| Situation | Right Turn on Red Allowed? |
|---|---|
| No sign prohibiting turn | Yes, after complete stop and yield |
| “No Turn On Red” sign present | No, must wait for green |
| Red arrow signal (no prohibiting sign) | Yes, after complete stop and yield |
| Pedestrian in crosswalk | No, must yield until clear |
Mississippi law allows right turns on red after a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic, unless a posted sign specifically prohibits it. This rule applies to both standard red lights and red arrows, making Mississippi’s approach consistent and straightforward for drivers.
Sources:
- https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-63-motor-vehicles-traffic-regulations/ms-code-sect-63-3-309/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-63/chapter-3/article-7/section-63-3-309/
- https://kellumlawfirmpc.com/mississippi-traffic-laws-every-driver-should-be-aware-of/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/driving/comments/1hwk9kv/anyone_have_a_lists_of_states_where_its_legal_to/