Turn on redFrance
An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of France. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.
For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.
134. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Tabl-trai • CC BY-SA
Can cyclists pass a red light in France when an M12 sign is present?
At an intersection with an applicable cyclist give-way-at-red sign, cyclists may proceed only in the direction indicated by its arrow. They must give way to pedestrians and crossing traffic. This is not a general permission for cars to turn on red.
🔗 equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • French IISR part1, September2025 consolidation
🔗 equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Cerema current IISR part 6 consolidation

Traffic rules
France