Turning Left on a Red Light in Arizona

Understanding roadway rules is one of your duties as a driver in Arizona. You have a legal obligation to know the laws that pertain to you as a motor vehicle operator. This includes what you may and may not do at red lights. Running a red light can lead to penalties such as a traffic ticket and fines. It could also cause a serious intersection accident, such as a head-on or T-bone collision. Find out when you may and may not turn left on a red light in Arizona to keep yourself and others safe.

Can You Turn Left on a Red Light in Arizona?

Most drivers know they may turn right on a red light in Arizona, but not that they may turn left specific situations. While turning left at a red light is generally against the law, it is permitted in one circumstance: when turning left onto a one-way street from a one-way street. If traffic on the one-way street is traveling in the same direction as the vehicle making the turn, the driver may make a left turn while the light is red. It is not against the law to turn left on red in this instance.

You may only turn left on red, however, after coming to a complete stop before the line and checking to make sure the road is clear. You must follow typical right-of-way laws and proceed into the intersection with caution when turning left on red. All drivers in Arizona may turn right on red lights, even when not onto a one-way road, unless a sign prohibits the turn. Turning right on red requires making a full stop, yielding the right-of-way and turning with caution. In Arizona, you may enter an intersection on a yellow light without penalty. If you suffered a car accident caused by a negligent driver in Arizona, contact our law firm to learn how you can recover compensation.

What Is the Statute for Turning Left in Arizona?

The state’s law permits turning left on a red light only if you are turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street. According to Arizona Revised Statutes, this turn is not allowed on any two-way road. Section 28-772 states: “The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that is approaching from the opposite direction and that is within the intersection or so close to the intersection as to constitute an immediate hazard.” This statute is designed to prevent accidents by ensuring that road users do not turn left into the path of oncoming vehicles.

Drivers must be particularly cautious when interpreting this rule. For example, if an operator turns left on red from a two-way street or fails to yield to oncoming traffic, they may face penalties. Violations can result in citations, points on a driver’s license, or higher insurance premiums. Beyond the legal ramifications, improperly executing a left turn on red can lead to dangerous collisions, particularly at busy intersections or during peak traffic times.

Drivers should carefully check for “No Turn on Red” signs at intersections to stay compliant. Such signs override the general rule and prohibit left turns on red regardless of the street configuration. Arizona’s turning laws prioritize safety and aim to reduce risks for all road users.

Key points from this statute include:

• Yielding the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
• Verifying no oncoming vehicles within the intersection present an “immediate hazard.”
• Only executing left turns on red when traveling from a one-way street to another one-way street.

Can You Make a U-Turn on a Red Light in Arizona?

U-turns on a red light are generally prohibited in the area, especially at intersections. However, an exception exists if the U-turn can be completed entirely before entering the intersection. According to Sgt. Hoster, “If you can do it before you enter the intersection and make that complete U-turn before entering the intersection, it is allowable.” He further explains that “in Arizona – an intersection does not start at the crosswalk.” This means drivers must complete the turn outside the intersection’s boundaries without crossing the stop line or entering the crosswalk.

For legal U-turns in the state:

• The maneuver must be completed before entering the intersection.
• The turn should not interfere with oncoming traffic.
• Drivers must obey any “No U-Turn” signage, which can override the general rule.

These guidelines certify that U-turns are only made in safe and legally defined spaces, helping to prevent accidents.

Is There a New Law in Arizona for No Right Turn on Red?

Yes, Arizona has introduced more restrictions on right turns at red lights at certain intersections. While right turns on red remain generally allowed, cities like Phoenix have implemented “No Right Turn on Red” signs in areas with high pedestrian traffic. These restrictions are part of the state’s ongoing efforts to increase pedestrian safety, particularly in busy areas, school zones, and other high-risk locations.

The implementation of these restrictions stems from a growing need to reduce pedestrian-related accidents, which have been rising nationwide. In cities like Phoenix, drivers are more likely to encounter these signs in urban zones with heavy foot traffic, near schools, hospitals, and downtown areas. For instance, intersections with high pedestrian or cyclist activity may prohibit right turns on red to prevent collisions during peak times.

Where to expect “No Right Turn on Red” signs:

• Urban areas with high pedestrian traffic 
• Intersections near schools, hospitals, or public transportation hubs.
• Busy crosswalks or zones with heavy cyclist activity.

Why these restrictions exist:

• To reduce pedestrian and cyclist accidents at high-risk intersections.
• To improve safety in areas with frequent pedestrian crossings, such as school zones.

Consequences of violations:

• Traffic citations or fines for ignoring “No Right Turn on Red” signs.
• Increased liability in the event of an accident caused by improper turning behavior.

Studies show that such restrictions significantly reduce accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers should remain vigilant and check for these signs at intersections, especially in areas where children or vulnerable pedestrians are present. Arizona’s new right-turn restrictions reflect the state’s commitment to creating safer streets for all road users.

At What Point of an Intersection Does a Red Light Violation Occur in Arizona?

In Arizona, a red light violation occurs when a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red. The intersection typically begins at the stop line rather than the crosswalk, meaning that surpassing the stop line after the light changes to red constitutes a violation. This distinction emphasizes the importance of timing when approaching a yellow light, as entering the intersection too late can lead to costly penalties.

Important aspects of red light violation rules include:

• Any movement across the stop line after the light turns red may result in a ticket.
• Red-light cameras and police officers are usually stationed at intersections to enforce these rules.
• Operators are encouraged to stop on yellow unless they are too close to do so safely.

Understanding where an intersection begins helps Arizona drivers avoid violations and drive responsibly.

Who Has the Right-of-Way in an Intersection With a Left Turn?

Right-of-way at an intersection depends on whether it has a stop sign or stoplight. At a four-way intersection with a stop sign, the driver that approached the intersection first will have the right-of-way. If two or more vehicles approached simultaneously, the driver to your right has the right-of-way. At an intersection with a stoplight, the driver making the left turn must stop in the lane as far to the left as possible and wait for a green light to turn. The turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic, except with a green arrow.

Who Is Liable in a Left-Turn Accident?

If you turned left at a red light, you may be liable for an accident if you crash into an oncoming car. It is your responsibility to make sure the road is clear before turning left on red. You could also be liable if you legally should not have turned left on red, such as onto a two-way street. In these situations, you must wait for a green light and the right-of-way or a green arrow to turn. If you did have a green arrow and the right-of-way, the other driver may be liable for your left-turn accident instead.

Another driver could cause a left-turn accident by running a red light or stop sign. If you were making a lawful left turn with a green arrow, the driver that struck you will be liable for your damages. If the light was green without an arrow, however, it would have been your responsibility to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. You may be responsible for damages for turning left into an oncoming car.

Liability for a left-turn accident in Arizona depends on fault for the collision. If a driver breached Arizona’s stoplight laws and proceeded into an intersection illegally, that driver would be responsible for a subsequent collision. If, however, the driver obeyed the rules, you may be liable. Most left-turn car accidents require reviews by police officers and investigators to determine fault and liability. Contact a car accident lawyer in Glendale if you need help determining fault for a left-turn accident in Arizona.

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