Anderson Injury Lawyers | April 10, 2025 | Car Accidents
Understanding traffic laws is essential for every driver to ensure safety and compliance. One question many drivers may have is whether it’s legal to turn left at a red light in Texas. While this seems straightforward, the rules surrounding left turns at red lights in Texas are specific. It is important to know when and how this maneuver is permitted.
General Rule: No Left Turn on Red
In Texas, the default rule for left turns at a red light is that they are prohibited. Drivers are required to come to a full stop and wait for the green light to proceed in most situations. This is similar to the rules in many other states, where a left turn at a red light is not automatically allowed unless specified.
Red lights are generally intended to regulate the flow of traffic, and making a left turn against a red light could cause accidents, especially when other vehicles or pedestrians may be moving through the intersection.
Exceptions: Left Turn on Red from One-Way to One-Way
Texas law allows for a left turn at a red light under specific conditions. According to the Texas Transportation Code, drivers are allowed to turn left at a red light if they are turning from one one-way street onto another one-way street. This is the key exception that enables drivers to make a left turn at red lights, but only in certain circumstances.
Key requirements for making a legal left turn at a red light in Texas:
- One-way to one-way streets: Both the street you are turning from and the street you are turning onto must be one-way streets. If either street is not one-way, you cannot make the left turn on red.
- Complete stop: Before making the turn, you must come to a complete stop at the red light. This is an important part of the law, as it allows you to assess the intersection for any other vehicles or pedestrians who may have the right-of-way.
- Yield to traffic: You must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians who are in the intersection or any vehicles that have a green light. Failing to yield could result in a collision, and you could be held liable for any damages.
- No prohibitive signs: There must be no signs posted at the intersection that prohibit left turns on red. If there is a sign indicating “No Left Turn on Red,” then you must follow that instruction, even if both streets are one-way.
Making an illegal left turn could result in a ticket and points off your license.
Consequences of an Illegal Left Turn on Red
If you make a left turn at a red light in Texas when it is not legally permitted, you could face several consequences. A violation of this traffic rule is considered a Class C misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of up to $200.
While this might seem like a minor penalty, the consequences can become much more serious if the illegal turn leads to an accident. In the case of an accident, you could be held responsible for the damages and injuries that occur as a result of your actions.
Understanding Whether You Can Turn Left at a Red Light in Texas
While Texas law does allow left turns on red under specific conditions, it’s essential to know when and how this rule applies. A left turn on red is only allowed when both streets involved are one-way streets, and the driver follows the required steps of coming to a full stop, yielding the right-of-way, and ensuring there are no prohibitive signs. If in doubt, it’s always safest to wait for the green light to make your turn.
Visit Our Car Accident Law Firm in Texas
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our car accident lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
