Is it legal to turn left at a red light on a one-way street? Here’s what NC law says
Across the country, different states have different rules of the road for drivers, including North Carolina. One of the common rules that differs is when you can and can’t turn at a red light.
It’s common for drivers to want to head off to their destination without waiting for the stoplight to turn green, especially if there’s no oncoming traffic. But is it legal to do so in all scenarios? Not in North Carolina.
Here’s what to know.
When is it legal to turn at a red light?
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, drivers are legally allowed to turn right at a red light unless a posted sign says otherwise.
But if you’re waiting to turn left, you have to wait. By law, left turns on red are not permitted — even if there’s no oncoming traffic.
In most states, drivers are legally allowed to turn left on red, like when turning left onto a one-way street from a one-way street, but North Carolina is not included in that list, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
In North Carolina, running a red light could cost you up to $100 and points on your driving and insurance record.
This story was originally published September 12, 2023 at 2:10 PM with the headline "Is it legal to turn left at a red light on a one-way street? Here’s what NC law says."
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