Can we take you turn on the red light in Ontario?

Right on Red in Ontario: A Guide to Safe Turns

Ontario’s right-turn-on-red law offers a convenient option for drivers, potentially reducing congestion and travel time. However, this convenience comes with a responsibility: ensuring the safety of yourself and others. This article clarifies the rules and highlights crucial safety considerations.

The Law in a Nutshell:

Ontario permits right turns on a red light after coming to a complete stop, provided the intersection is clear and no signage explicitly prohibits the maneuver. This means you must stop completely, check for pedestrians and oncoming traffic, and only proceed when it’s safe to do so. A simple, but crucial point often overlooked: the presence of a “No Turn on Red” sign overrides this permission. Always obey posted signage.

Key Safety Considerations:

• Complete Stop: This isn’t a rolling stop. Come to a complete halt before proceeding. Failing to do so is a significant traffic violation.

• Clear Intersection: Before initiating your turn, thoroughly scan the intersection. Look left, right, and left again. Ensure there are no pedestrians crossing, cyclists approaching, or vehicles entering the intersection from any direction. Remember, even if you have the right-of-way, another driver might not see you.

• Pedestrian Priority: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way. Yield to them, even if you think you have enough time to turn. Never endanger a pedestrian.

• Yielding to Other Vehicles: Be aware of vehicles approaching from the opposite direction turning left. They may not expect you to turn on red. Ensure they have ample opportunity to complete their maneuver before you proceed.

• Hidden Sightlines: Be extra cautious at intersections with limited visibility, such as those obscured by buildings, large vehicles, or overgrown vegetation. Proceed with extreme caution and only when you have a clear view of all traffic.

• Signage: Pay close attention to signage. A “No Turn on Red” sign supersedes the general right-turn-on-red law. Other signs may also restrict right turns, even on a green light.

Consequences of Unsafe Right Turns:

Driving recklessly and ignoring these safety guidelines can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Traffic Tickets and Fines: Failing to make a complete stop or yielding to pedestrians results in hefty fines.
• Accidents and Injuries: Unsafe right turns are a major cause of collisions, potentially leading to injury or even death. The consequences of an accident extend far beyond a financial penalty.
• Insurance Premiums: Accidents will inevitably impact your insurance premiums.

Conclusion:

The right-turn-on-red privilege in Ontario is a tool to improve traffic flow, not a license for risky behaviour. By following these guidelines and prioritizing safety, you can use this legal maneuver responsibly and contribute to safer roads for everyone. Remember, the potential for saving a few seconds is never worth jeopardizing your safety and the safety of others.