Texas Traffic Tips: Safely Making Left Turns On Red Without Violating Laws

If you are new to Texas, let me tell you that you can turn right on red in Texas, but can you also turn left on red as well?

Nothing is more annoying than sitting behind someone at a red light, and they have their signal on to turn right, but they sit there till the light turns green. Usually, they have a license plate from out of state. Just so you know, you can turn right on red in Texas as long as you stop and make sure the lane is clear on the street you are turning onto.

Now, can you do the same when making a left turn? If you are making the turn from a two-way street onto a two-way street, the simple answer is NO.

How about if you are turning from a two-way street onto a one-way street? The answer again is NO.

But, if you are turning from a one-way street onto a one-way street, you may turn left as long as you are not turning the wrong way onto the one-way street, which is obvious, but some people have to be told they can't do it otherwise they will try.

Here is a diagram from The Texas Highway Man on how you can turn left on red:

Just remember that turning left on a red light when it is not from a one-way onto a one-way means you will be running a red light and could be ticketed, or worse, get into a serious accident.

Be safe out there!!

Get our free mobile app