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Turn on redGermany

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Germany

106. Turn on red

Turn on red is a traffic rule or signal arrangement that allows certain road users to proceed in a specified direction despite a red traffic light. It most commonly permits a turn after the driver has stopped or yielded, but the exact procedure varies between countries.

A turn on red is not universally permitted. It may be allowed generally, only when a specific sign or signal is present, or prohibited entirely. Drivers must always follow the local traffic lights, signs, priority rules and pedestrian or cyclist crossings before proceeding.

Sign indicating cyclists are allowed to turn right on a red traffic light. (Emden, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • JoachimKohler-HB • CC BY-SA
What does turn on red mean?

Turn on red means that a road user may proceed in a specified turning direction despite a red traffic light when local law or a specific sign or signal permits it.

Is turning on red allowed everywhere?

No. Some countries permit certain turns on red, while others prohibit them unless a special sign or signal provides an exception.

Do you have to stop before turning on red?

This depends on the local traffic rules. In some jurisdictions a complete stop is required before turning, while other systems use a give-way rule or a separate signal that permits the movement.

Do you have priority when turning on red?

Usually no. A road user permitted to proceed against a red light generally has to give way to traffic, pedestrians and cyclists who are lawfully moving through the intersection.

Can pedestrians have priority over a vehicle turning on red?

Yes. Drivers must check pedestrian crossings carefully and give way where required before making the permitted turn.

Can cyclists be allowed to pass a red light when motorists cannot?

Yes. Some countries use special signs or bicycle signals that allow cyclists to turn or continue in a specified direction while the main traffic light remains red.

Does a green arrow beside a red light allow you to proceed?

Where the local signal system provides this arrangement, a green arrow may permit movement only in the direction indicated even though the main signal remains red. Applicable give-way rules must still be followed.

Can a sign prohibit turning on red?

Yes. In countries where turning on red is normally permitted, a specific sign may prohibit the manoeuvre at particular intersections.

Can you turn left on red?

This depends entirely on the country and road layout. Some jurisdictions permit particular left turns on red, while many do not. Never assume that a rule allowing a right turn also permits a left turn.

What should you do if you are unsure whether turning on red is allowed?

Remain stopped until a signal clearly permits you to proceed. Never pass a red light based only on what is permitted in another country.

1 Germany 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Pedestrian warning 11 Tunnel 12 Bridge 13 Cycling street 14 Pedestrian zone 15 Toll road 16 Customs 17 One-way traffic 18 Quay 19 Slope 20 Bus lane 21 Bus stop 22 Dead end 23 Stop sign 24 Give way 25 Roundabout 26 Priority road 27 Road narrowing 28 Priority over oncoming traffic 29 Give way to oncoming traffic 30 Pedestrian crossing 31 Railway crossing 32 Mandatory direction 33 School area 34 Overtaking 35 Crossing animals 36 Slippery road 37 Rockfall 38 Aircraft 39 Curve 40 Chevron 41 Wrong-way driving 42 Roadworks 43 Crosswind 44 Height limit 45 Width limit 46 Length limit 47 Weight limit 48 Radar speed sign 49 Selective barriers 50 Low-emission zone 51 Intersection direction sign 52 Priority at the next junction 53 Traffic lights 54 Traffic lights warning 55 Pedestrian lights 56 Road markings 57 Junction layout 58 Bike box 59 Speed feedback 60 Driving licence 61 Location marker 62 Countdown markers 63 Traffic mirror 64 Emergency telephone 65 International border 66 Pedestrian underpass 67 Cycling route 68 End of restriction 69 Parking 70 No parking 71 No stopping 72 Parallel parking 73 Park and ride 74 Kiss and ride 75 Parking meter 76 Parking disc 77 Disabled parking 78 Traffic management 79 Reversing 80 Traffic jam 81 Detour 82 Uncontrolled crossroad 83 Road surface 84 Exit 85 Horse riding 86 Provisional licence 87 Hazardous cargo 88 Emergency exit 89 Runaway truck ramp 90 Oversize load 91 Cycle highway 92 Carsharing 93 City limit 94 Gantry 95 Distance board 96 Breakdown bay 97 Hiking 98 Pavement parking 99 Road church 100 Tourist attraction ... 101 Axle weight limit 102 Licence plate 103 Charging station 104 Dangers 105 Overhanging trees 106 Turn on red 107 Rail safety 108 Pedestrian 109 Cyclist 110 Moped 111 Motorcycle 112 Car 113 Truck 114 Bus 115 Police 116 Ambulance 117 Taxi 118 Police signals 119 Tailgating 120 European emission standard 121 Pothole 122 Private property 123 Path 124 Particulates 125 Air pollution 126 Rush hour 127 Road code 128 Two-way traffic 129 Street gutter 130 Cargo bike 131 Forestry vehicle 132 Construction vehicle 133 Semi-trailer truck 134 Trolleybus 135 Speed pedelec 136 Delivery vehicle 137 Idling 138 Tow truck 139 Four-wheel drive 140 No vehicles 141 Driver 142 Bicycle 143 Motorcycle equipment 144 Tram 145 Rail track 146 Caravan 147 Trailer 148 Tow hitch 149 Fire truck 150 Siren 151 Convoy 152 Emergency vehicle lighting 153 Agricultural machinery 154 Electric bicycle 155 Electric vehicle 156 Pedelec 157 Quadricycle 158 Microcar 159 All-terrain vehicle 160 Van 161 Recreational vehicle 162 Scooter 163 Trikke 164 Personal mobility device 165 Skateboard 166 Segway 167 Kick scooter 168 Roller skates 169 Mailman 170 Hitchhiker 171 Toddler 172 Child 173 Disability 174 Handcart 175 Horsecart 176 Crossing guard 177 Motorail 178 Snowplough 179 Parking violation 180 km/h 181 mph 182 Speedometer 183 National speed 184 Rumble strip 185 Ride height 186 Dirt road 187 Driving 188 Start-stop system 189 Manual transmission 190 Automatic transmission 191 Throttle 192 Tachometer 193 Steering wheel 194 Power steering 195 Visual scanning 196 Mirror 197 Fuel 198 Fuel economy 199 Fuel gauge 200 Petrol 201 Diesel 202 Diesel exhaust fluid 203 Car insurance 204 First aid kit 205 Fire extinguisher 206 High-visibility clothing 207 First aid 208 Guardrail 209 Concrete step barrier 210 Bollards 211 Barriers 212 Vehicle lights 213 Street lights 214 Dipped beam 215 High beam 216 Fog lights 217 Front fog lights 218 Rear fog lights 219 Side lights 220 Turn signals 221 Hazard lights 222 Dashboard lights 223 Bicycle lighting 224 Bicycle bell 225 Headlight flashing 226 Seat belt 227 Child restraints 228 Head restraints 229 Airbag 230 ABS 231 Esp 232 Traction control system 233 Helmet 234 Bicycle helmet 235 Hands-free 236 Smartphone 237 GPS 238 Brake 239 Handbrake 240 Brake fluid 241 Tyres 242 Tyre code 243 Winter tyres 244 Tyre pressure 245 Snow chains 246 Bicycle tyre 247 Continuous track 248 Gross Vehicle Weight 249 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 250 Cargo 251 Car body 252 Trunk 253 Roof rack 254 Windscreen 255 Emergency hammer 256 Car battery 257 Traction battery 258 Suspension 259 Shock absorber 260 Spring 261 Exhaust 262 Exhaust gas 263 Soot 264 Catalytic converter 265 Engine 266 Petrol engine 267 Diesel engine 268 Electric motor 269 Timing belt 270 Glow plug 271 Cylinder 272 Engine oil 273 Coolant 274 Maintenance 275 Spare tyre 276 Flat tyre 277 Jack 278 Vehicle inspection 279 Key 280 Dashboard 281 Windscreen wiper 282 Doors 283 Glovebox 284 Visibility 285 Rain 286 Fog 287 Hail 288 Sunlight 289 Sunglasses 290 Salt 291 Air conditioning 292 Hydroplaning 293 Distraction 294 Emotions 295 Road rage 296 Health 297 Epilepsy 298 Night blindness 299 Visual impairment 300 Fatigue 301 Defects 302 Traffic violation 303 Alcohol 304 Alcohol control 305 Ignition interlock device 306 Breath test 307 Breath analysis 308 Blood alcohol content 309 Blood test 310 Saliva test 311 Drugs 312 Medication 313 Penalties 314 Speeding 315 Smoking 316 Traffic enforcement camera 317 Double curve 318 Accident 319 Injuries 320 Nosebleed 321 Damage 322 Breakdown 323 Warning triangle 324 International Driving Permit 325 Traffic rules 326 Driving school 327 Traffic signs