Quick Question re. Driving Law

[TheMatrix31]

Hey guys, just had a quick question. I feel pretty stupid for asking this but oh well.

So I was at a light with photo enforcement. I had to make a right turn and there was a red right arrow. I obviously stopped, but I went ahead and turned right when the lights for the people who were continuing straight on the street turned green. The red right arrow still stayed red. I didn't get a ticket, no cop or anything, and the camera light didn't flash. The only lights I saw flashing were the ones of the car in back of me, presumably telling me not to go.

I should be in the clear of anything, right? It was at night, so I'm assuming no flash = no ticket. But we all know these cameras are pretty tricky.

Help ease my mind!

[snepp]

Re: Quick Question re. Driving Law

Don't turn when it's red, mind eased.

[MassNole]

Re: Quick Question re. Driving Law

If the arrow said don't turn right, I'd be worried about getting a ticket in the mail.

[mgoblue]

Re: Quick Question re. Driving Law

not to hijack a thread (I have no idea on the photo ticket laws), but if a cop pulls someone over and gives them a warning (speeding, whatever), do they note this in the system somehow? Just wondering...like could I speed a ton, and keep getting warnings, or do the officers let their colleagues know via some note field in the computer system?

[MassNole]

Re: Quick Question re. Driving Law

In Massachusetts we have verbal warnings and written warnings. The written warnings are in the system for other officers to see if they run your plate. The verbal warning is really only that, but if they heard your plates over the radio they may let the other cop know they just warned you.

[Trevytrev11]

Re: Quick Question re. Driving Law

Unless there is a sign at the intersection which states that there are "No Right Turns on a Red Light/Arrow" you should be in the clear. The majority of the time, you are permitted to make a right turn on a red arrow after you come to a complete stop and as long as the intersection is clear.

Next time you go through this intersection, check around and make sure there are no posted signs.

[McLite]

Re: Quick Question re. Driving Law

I'm pretty sure if there is a Red Right Arrow then it means no right turns on red...otherwise the signal would be pointless. The sign is only posted when it is a normal traffic signal and they don't want you to do it.

Not sure how traffic cameras work...we don't have any. I think it would be more difficult to catch red right turners than someone who drives through the intersection, but that's just a guess.

As for warnings, at least out here, there isn't an official record. Running your name through DMV will not show warnings.

[slickdtc]

Re: Quick Question re. Driving Law

Yeah, MattG is right. The red right arrow means you can't make the turn. Otherwise, it would just be a red light (unless there was also sign that set restrictions). What gets people confused, though, is when there's a sign that says no rights on red arrow... but people still don't make the right on red solids.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: Quick Question re. Driving Law

That's what I figured. There was a sign that said no right turn but for a second I had a brain-fart and turned when the rest of the lights turned green.

There was no flash, though. Do those things still take pics without flashes?

[Knight165]

Re: Quick Question re. Driving Law

I'm pretty sure if there is a Red Right Arrow then it means no right turns on red...otherwise the signal would be pointless. The sign is only posted when it is a normal traffic signal and they don't want you to do it.

Not sure how traffic cameras work...we don't have any. I think it would be more difficult to catch red right turners than someone who drives through the intersection, but that's just a guess.

As for warnings, at least out here, there isn't an official record. Running your name through DMV will not show warnings.

Absolutely. That's why they put the RED ARROW. To SPECIFICALLY tell you no turn on red.
Red light...in an area that allows right on red...OK
Red arrow...anywhere...NO GO ON RED.....Not so good.
Sorry.

M.K.
Knight165

[Scottdau]

Re: Quick Question re. Driving Law

Yep, you could have got a ticket. I did that a couple of times. Just not really thinking. I was lucky I got no ticket.