Any Federal Law For Right On Red?

Tennessee rarely requires a stop on red, if turning right. And will very quickly get you rear ended, or a ticket for obstructing traffic if you stop and it’s clear, but that’s here.

Not true, Robin Good. Again, a very quick Google search of the TDOT produced the Tennessee code 55-8-110 which clearly states:

A right turn on a red signal shall be permitted at all intersections within the state; provided, that the prospective turning car shall come to a full and complete stop before turning and that the turning car shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and cross traffic traveling in accordance with their traffic signal; provided, further, such turn will not endanger other traffic lawfully using the intersection. A right turn on red shall be permitted at all intersections, except those that are clearly marked by a "No Turns On Red" sign, which may be erected by the responsible municipal or county governments at intersections which they decide require no right turns on red in the interest of traffic safety;

If you're going to advise people of the law, it's important to have the facts.

Tennessee rarely requires a stop on red, if turning right. And will very quickly get you rear ended, or a ticket for obstructing traffic if you stop and it’s clear, but that’s here.

Straight from the Tennessee driver manual

Let them rear end me. I'm not getting a ticket. As a CDL holder its important we protect our license and not allow anyone else to drive our truck for us.

I have seen many intersections where a yield on red is perfectly normal but as mentioned, they are all on a sweeping right or dedicated right turn lane with a yield sign clearly visible. If there is no sweeping lane or dedicated lane connecting to the road you are turning on ALWAYS COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, yes, even in Tennessee. Without the turn lane marked tield on red it would make me question your basic comprehension skills to see you roll up on a regular intersection and roll through a red light. But if that's really what you believe, keep on rolling through them and eventually you will have too many tickets to keep your CDL. How is this even being questioned?

Tim observes:

I’ve noticed there are a few right hand turn lanes that are marked separately with yield signs. In other words, if you were go straight through the light it’s a red light with stop signs. However, if you are turning right, there is a yield sign. Usually it is ...if this makes sense.

This is true. At the end of your quote is the part that makes an important difference: a fully committed turning lane, with an island separating it from other lanes. that little island makes that 15 foot stretch into it's own road in a way. It's also a PITA for right turning 18 wheelers!

I live in Chattanooga and you better stop or you're getting a ticket.

It's legal in almost every state to "yield" not "stop" when doing a right on red.

Where do you get that from? I've never heard of yielding on red.

Tennessee rarely requires a stop on red, if turning right. And will very quickly get you rear ended, or a ticket for obstructing traffic if you stop and it’s clear, but that’s here. Idk but in West Virginia I also seen many places with yield to right on red also. But I’ve seen it illegal, but I thought we had to stop regardless?

For four-wheelers, in almost every state, "yielding" instead of "stopping" for right on red is legal. This was taught in Driver's Ed. Every DMV , and "Secretary of State's Office" (or whatever office-equivalent for a particular State handles vehicular laws) must comply with all FMCSA laws, but may implement their own State vehicular laws if not already set by the FMCSA. The FMCSA explicitly stated that it is legal to "yield" for a right on red. The FMCSA does not require a "stop" for right on red.

However, my concern here is whether FMCSA or DoT has different laws for a tractor-trailer combo, compared to a standard vehicle, requiring a complete stop instead of a yield for tractor-trailers.

Also note, that most States will have signs at the intersections saying "stop right on red" (or have a light) if it's required to stop right on red. Where I yielded for my right on red, would be legal for a four-wheeler, I'm just trying to find out if it was legal for a tractor trailer by DoT and FMCSA.

Can you please tell or show us the intersection this occured so we can get a better view of it. The states I've lived in has required you to stop on red.

Please share the intersection, as well as what states don't require 4 wheelers to stop at red lights before turning right.

I'm with Rob in this. I learned to drive in California and was taught to stop before turning at a red light. Since I do that at every red light I need to turn right at, I'd never find out if a "yield" would speed things up.

We need a brave member to go out state to state to performan an experiment to see which states allow what.

Hey, Anne! If your not doing anything...😁

We need a brave member to go out state to state to performan an experiment to see which states allow what.

Hey, Anne! If your not doing anything...😁

Challenge NOT accepted by me. Rarely do I perform the Right on Red option. My main reason is all those weasel attorney billboards we see along many of our routes around this country. "Evil Truck Is Always Guilty Of Malicious Driving." Normally, I'll wait the 30 seconds it takes for my green light to appear.