Right turn on red...or not? (Woodbridge: shop, cars, pay)

[Kembek]

There is a new intersection near my home. There are four lanes. Two lanes to go straight and two lanes that are right turn lanes. There are traffic lights for each lane. The two right turn lane lights have a "No Turn On Red" sign situated between the two lights. To which right turn lane does the sign apply? Thanks.

[ChristineVA]

I think it means from both.

I have intersections like that near me but usually sign says "No right turn on red from center lane (if there are more than 2 lanes). Alternatively, if it simply states "No right turn on red" it is for both.

[tgbwc]

That's what I would say too. "No Turn on Red" means just that, for both lanes.

[Kembek]

That's what I thought. I've been stopping when the light is red, but I've noticed everyone else turning on red.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by Kembek

That's what I thought. I've been stopping when the light is red, but I've noticed everyone else turning on red.

Yeah, it's the hardest thing for people.

At our Wegman's in Woodbridge, when you exit out of one of the exit areas, you come to an intersection. Of course there are only two lanes: one going straight and left, and the right lane which only goes right. There is a clear sign that says "No Turn on Red." Now, admittedly, I don't know WHY this this a No Turn On Red intersection because visually, you can see the cars coming from your left so it does not appear to be a danger as some intersections clearly are. So many people do it anyway and I think it's because it just doesn't make sense that it's marked that way.

I have had people behind be get REALLY irate that I won't make that turn.

[Jesco White]

I think they're purposely ambiguous. Much like the very common (around here) sign that has in huge red letters : NO TURN ON RED, then in tiny letters below it (when pedestrians are present). It grabs your attention, and many never bother to read the fine print. I find myself honking at people all the time who are just content to sit there all day twiddling their thumbs when no traffic is coming.

Now the sign you describe is a slightly different situation. They want confusion, because this will cause more people to turn and then they can give you a ticket. If it's legal, you may not even know and just pay the ticket. More "Gotcha" capitalism.

[jmking]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

Yeah, it's the hardest thing for people.

At our Wegman's in Woodbridge, when you exit out of one of the exit areas, you come to an intersection. Of course there are only two lanes: one going straight and left, and the right lane which only goes right. There is a clear sign that says "No Turn on Red." Now, admittedly, I don't know WHY this this a No Turn On Red intersection because visually, you can see the cars coming from your left so it does not appear to be a danger as some intersections clearly are. So many people do it anyway and I think it's because it just doesn't make sense that it's marked that way.

I have had people behind be get REALLY irate that I won't make that turn.

Is the sign hanging from the light or is it attached to the ground? The reason I ask this is because I've noticed many signs that should be posted much higher so cars behind you can also see them. I was once pulled over by the police at an intersection because I made a U-turn. A "no U-turn" sign was posted but it was anchored to the ground and could not see the sign through the cop car that was in front of me. So, when the cop turned left I made a U turn and he came after me and knew why I did it. He said " you couldn't see the sigh could you? No I didn't see it. He smiled and let me off the hook.

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

I have had people behind be get REALLY irate that I won't make that turn.

That's when you open your door and look like you're stepping out. The honking generally ends at that point.

[AlexandriaVa11]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

Yeah, it's the hardest thing for people.

At our Wegman's in Woodbridge, when you exit out of one of the exit areas, you come to an intersection. Of course there are only two lanes: one going straight and left, and the right lane which only goes right. There is a clear sign that says "No Turn on Red." Now, admittedly, I don't know WHY this this a No Turn On Red intersection because visually, you can see the cars coming from your left so it does not appear to be a danger as some intersections clearly are. So many people do it anyway and I think it's because it just doesn't make sense that it's marked that way.

I have had people behind be get REALLY irate that I won't make that turn.

Ha ha, are you talking about the intersection at Neabsco Road? I have wondered why that "No Turn on Red" sign is there, because I have never (ever) seen traffic coming from the left on that road, and it seems silly to just sit there. I tend to shop at Wegmans during mid-morning (so as to avoid too much traffic on Rt 1, as I travel from the Mt. Vernon area), so I'm sure there is traffic at that intersection during other hours.

I just can't wait until we get our "own" Wegmans at Beulah and Telegraph!

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by jmking

Is the sign hanging from the light or is it attached to the ground? The reason I ask this is because I've noticed many signs that should be posted much higher so cars behind you can also see them. I was once pulled over by the police at an intersection because I made a U-turn. A "no U-turn" sign was posted but it was anchored to the ground and could not see the sign through the cop car that was in front of me. So, when the cop turned left I made a U turn and he came after me and knew why I did it. He said " you couldn't see the sigh could you? No I didn't see it. He smiled and let me off the hook.

Both.

It hangs from the light and is also posted in the grass next to the right turn lane.