A left turn on red in Indiana sounds like a move you shouldn’t make. However, Indiana traffic turning laws may surprise you, as certain scenarios do allow a legal left turn on red in Indiana. Although the Indianapolis City-County Council has focused on no right turn on red in an effort to keep pedestrians safe, it is possible to make a left turn at a red light.
Every driver should know when this maneuver is permissible as per traffic laws. If you wind up in a car accident and you or the other driver broke a traffic rule, that could affect the percentage of fault. At Wagner Reese, we represent injured victims in car accidents. This blog post highlights this little-known rule for making a left-hand turn on red, as well as other road rules you may not remember, and how an Indiana car crash attorney can help you in an accident.
When Can You Make a Left Turn on Red in Indiana?
According to Indiana Code § 9-21-3-7, you may make a left turn when you are in the left lane at an intersection that has either a red light or red arrow, as long as you are turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
Before making a left turn onto a one-way street, you need to come to a full stop first. During this time, you also need to check and make sure no vehicles or pedestrians are in your path or are about to enter your path.
However, if there is a sign that says, “No Turn on Red,” you must abide by that and wait for either the green arrow or green light to make a left turn. If you are on a two-way street, you are not permitted to make a left turn when the light is red. You can only do so with a green arrow or light.
Common Misconceptions Drivers May Have About Indiana Traffic Laws
Although every driver must pass a written exam and a driving test to get their license, not everyone remembers the rules. You may believe certain misconceptions about the requirements, which can cause trouble down the road. Here are a few that can help you avoid getting into an accident or receiving a traffic ticket:
A Complete Stop at a Stop Sign or Intersection Allows Rolling
This misconception winds up costing many motorists traffic tickets. When you are at a steady red signal, a flashing red, or a stop sign, you must come to a complete stop. You must not be rolling even in the slightest, and you must stop before the stop line or crosswalk. In the absence of this line, many drivers believe they can continue to drive forward, but that’s an unsafe move that could cost them. Always stop completely before entering the intersection.
You Can Get a Ticket on a Yellow
Yellow lights tend to mystify some drivers, though when there is a steady yellow light, you can enter the intersection. The yellow light is meant to alert you that it will be turning red soon, and you should either get through the intersection or slow down to stop at the red light.
You Can Always Turn Right on Red
When you arrive at a red traffic signal, you must stop, though if you’re planning to turn right, you may think you don’t need to wait for the signal to turn green. This misconception is partially true, as you can turn right on a red signal. However, if there is a sign prohibiting this action, you are not allowed to do so until the signal turns green.
In the absence of a sign prohibiting a right turn at a red signal, you still must fully stop and yield to any pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles.
Potential Consequences of Making Improper Turns
There is always a risk when making these maneuvers, even when you are doing them correctly. The risk becomes far greater when you are not abiding by what the traffic control signal is showing. If you pull into other traffic when you are not supposed to at an intersection, other drivers may not be able to stop in time, leading to an accident. You or the other driver could be seriously injured in this scenario.
While a left turn is ultimately the most dangerous maneuver, even when it is permitted, when you break the law to make the turn, you could get a ticket, resulting in a fine and points on your driver’s license. Ultimately, it is in your best interests to abide by the traffic rules in Indiana as they are designed to keep you safe.
What to Do If You Get in a Crash Under These Circumstances?
It doesn’t matter if you’re in a consolidated city or not. When you see a steady red signal, it always indicates that you should stop. Perhaps you may have been following the speed limit and obeyed the traffic signal, but someone crashed into you. In those first moments, make sure you are not in danger and get to safety.
You should also call 911 to report the accident and take photos and videos that include the vehicles, your injuries, and the intersection. This may provide valuable clues about whether it was permitted to turn left there or not.
Even if you don’t feel hurt, err on the side of caution and get a medical evaluation. You may need those medical records if you file a claim with the at-fault party. Above all, don’t forget to consult an attorney about your accident. In car accident cases, the rules that apply in traffic scenarios may mean that you are not at fault or that the other driver did not yield and they are at fault.
It can be impossible to handle these things on your own, especially when you have painful injuries. Wagner Reese provides free initial consultations, allowing you to discuss your case confidentially and determine if you have valid legal recourse to seek compensation.
