, it is legal to turn right on a red traffic signal in Texas.
That said, a right turn on a red traffic light isn’t the same thing as a right turn on a green light. Out of everybody at the intersection—drivers and pedestrians alike—you should make your turn last. Use your turn signal and yield the right of way to others first.
of the Texas Transportation Code requires drivers to:
Make a complete stop at the stop line at the intersection
Be in the right turn lane
Check for any signs that say “no turn on red”
Signal a right turn
Check for pedestrians in the crosswalk in front of the car
Check for any oncoming traffic driving into the turning lane, especially if they have a green arrow
According to the TXDOT, you can also turn right on a flashing red signal—just treat it the same as a stop sign. Make a complete stop, let pedestrians cross, and turn when you have the
Do not change lanes or exceed the speed limit while in the middle of an intersection! Law enforcement can pull you over for hazardous driving and increasing the risk of collisions.
Left turns on red are legal only in special circumstances
Texas law says you can only make a left turn at an intersection where a pair of one-way streets intersect—and you must respect the proper flow of traffic. As always, check for pedestrians and other motorists before making your move.
Penalties are moderately severe for an illegal right turn on red in Texas
A police officer can ticket you for an improper turn at a red light in the state of Texas.
If you ignore any traffic-control devices and break the traffic law, you could face consequences that include: