The Empire State of Mind: A Guide to Turning Right on Red (and Avoiding Taxi Horns)
Cruising down the open road in New York state, windows down, hair blowing in the wind (well, maybe not if you're bald or rocking a helmet)... you approach a red light. The light turns crimson, and you slam on the brakes with the grace of a baby giraffe on roller skates. But wait! Is this your chance to bust a right turn and become a champion of efficiency?
Hold your horses, cowboy (or cowgirl)! Making a right on red in New York isn't as simple as following the wisdom of country music. Buckle up, because we're about to untangle the red-light-right-turn rodeo, New York style.
The Upstate Shuffle: Right on Red with (Almost) No Sweat
In most parts of New York, turning right on red is a perfectly legal maneuver, as long as you follow these golden rules:
- Come to a complete and utter stop. No creeping, no rolling, no just-a-peek-sies. Imagine your grandma is behind you, and a full stop is the only way to avoid a lecture (and maybe a disapproving head shake).
- Yield the right of way to everyone. Pedestrians, oncoming traffic, even that squirrel trying to jaywalk across the intersection. Basically, treat everyone like they have the right of way, because in New York, they might just think they do.
- **Big, bold, and beautiful: Make sure there's no sign saying "NO TURN ON RED." These signs are the party poopers of the intersection and trump any right-on-red dreams.
The City That Never Sleeps on Right Turns (Except When It Does)
Now, New York City? That's a whole different ball game. In the concrete jungle, turning right on red is a privilege, not a right. You gotta be explicitly invited to the party by a sign that says "RIGHT TURN ON RED PERMITTED."
Why the difference, you ask? Well, let's just say there's a lot going on in the city, and pedestrians are practically an endangered species. Adding right turns on red to the mix might be a recipe for chaos (and a lot more dented fenders).
The Verdict: Lights, Camera, Action (or Not)
So, can you turn right on red in New York? It depends on where you are:
- Upstate New York: Generally yes, with the usual safety precautions.
- New York City: Not a chance unless a sign says otherwise.
Remember: When in doubt, play it safe. A little extra waiting time is better than a ticket, a lecture from your grandma, or starring in a real-life NYC fender bender.
Frequently Asked Questions: Right on Red in the Empire State
How to know if I can turn right on red in New York?
- Upstate NY: Look for a "NO TURN ON RED" sign. If it's not there, you're good to go (with caution, of course).
- NYC: Look for a "RIGHT TURN ON RED PERMITTED" sign. If it's not there, you wait for the green light.
How do I make a safe right turn on red?
- Come to a complete stop.
- Yield the right of way to all traffic and pedestrians.
- Make sure the coast is clear (no one's about to T-bone you).
- Proceed with caution.
What happens if I turn right on red when it's not allowed?
- You could get a ticket. That won't put a smile on your face.
Is there a right turn on red anywhere in NYC?
- Believe it or not, yes! There are a select few intersections in Staten Island where right turns on red are permitted with a sign.
How can I learn more about New York traffic laws?
- The New York DMV website is your friend: https://dmv.ny.gov/
