Quote:
Originally Posted by Grunchlk
It's still fairly ambiguous though, as you're required to stop at a red circular light as well. Interestingly, the relevant NC General Statute makes no mention of what to do on a red arrow.
At this intersection where 54 meets 15/501, there are 2 stoplights for the merging lanes. When red, they are red arrows. The Google Street View doesn't show it, but there is now a sign in the left most right turn lane (you can see the empty hole on the island in the Street View image) which states 'Stop Here On Red' with an arrow pointing at the painted line. There is not a similar sign for the other lane, whose painted line is about 5 feet further forward. To me that says it's okay for the right lane, but not the left lane (which makes sense as you'd have to cross 2 lanes of traffic).
Then again, in this thread someone got a response from the DMV and they said it varies from municipality to municipality. Of course the last post in that thread is someone commenting that they had just received a ticket for running a red light when it was a red arrow.
My common sense interpretation of all this is, if you're at a regular intersection (4-way) and there's a red arrow, you can't turn right. This is because opposing traffic may be turning left. Once it's safe to turn you'll either get a green arrow or the red arrow will disappear with the main signal goes green. However, when you approach an intersection like I linked to, those red arrows are indicating that both lanes are right-hand turn lanes. The sign indicates the left lane can't turn right on red, but the other lane is okay if traffic is clear.
I'll ask the next officer I see who isn't otherwise occupied.
Additional: Just found this which more clearly explains the issue and seems to be confirmed by this NC DOT page which states:
So, just be sure to come to a complete stop at a red light and if there's no sign stating otherwise, then proceed safely. Again, a red circular light with an accompanying red arrow, to me, would be the same as a 'no turn on red' sign. |
I spent way too much time reading up on this. The law doesn't seem to be specific enough but what you posted from the DOT website should be controlling. Red arrows aren't mentioned in the law at all that I could find (unless I'm reading something old) but that doesn't mean you can just ignore them and not stop. This vagueness could work both ways.
The "stop her on red" (aka the R10-6 or R10-6a) is to enhance the signal by showing drivers where the stripe is. That's all that it means. Not having one on the other side just means that for whatever reason they didn't think it was needed.
I do not believe the posts on the other C-D thread you linked to. This is complete bunk:
"Turns from the outer lane on a red arrow are generally ignored by law enforcement but you really should ask local law enforcement their ‘policy’—which varies greatly."
Ignored by law? WTH? Police don't ignore things that are legal they just don't have to worry about them. If that really came from the DOT that person should be fired. That's crap and the traffic laws are set by state statutes and not by 700ish municipalities.
I also don't believe the part about getting a ticket. Could have happened but that doesn't mean it's legal. I would argue that the stop law is either for both or is only for the solid ball and therefore there is nothing in the statute that says you have to stop at all (which of course is stupid). Basically a sign is needed in order for you NOT to be allowed to turn right on red.
If you want even more to read here's an old blog entry from the N&O:
Crosstown Traffic - Right on red? Trust, but verify | newsobserver.com blogs
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
