In Wyoming, the right turn on red is a common and useful traffic maneuver, but it comes with specific rules to ensure safety. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, understanding how to legally and safely make a right turn on red is essential. Here’s a detailed guide on the rules, exceptions, and penalties for making a right turn on red in Wyoming.
Complete Stop Required
Before making a right turn on red in Wyoming, you are required to:
Come to a complete stop behind the crosswalk or stop line at the intersection.
Rolling stops are not allowed. You must stop fully, giving yourself time to check for pedestrians, traffic, and other potential hazards before proceeding.
Yield to Pedestrians and Traffic
After stopping, yield to the following before making your turn:
Pedestrians who are lawfully in the crosswalk.
Any vehicles that have the right of way in the intersection, even if they are coming from the opposite direction or have a green light.
Check for Prohibiting Signs
Before turning, always look for posted signs at the intersection. In some cases, right turns on red are prohibited, and you must not turn if you see a “No Turn on Red” sign.
Red Arrow Exception
If the signal is a red arrow, you cannot make a right turn until the arrow turns green, unless there is another sign indicating otherwise. Red arrows are typically used to control traffic more strictly, so always wait for the signal to change.
Special Cases
- Left Turn on Red (One-Way Streets): Wyoming allows a left turn on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street, but only after you have come to a complete stop and yielded to pedestrians and other vehicles, unless otherwise posted.
- Local Ordinances: While Wyoming state law governs right turns on red, local ordinances may apply to specific intersections. However, state law preempts local ordinances, meaning that the rules for right turns on red are consistent throughout Wyoming unless a specific intersection has a posted prohibition.
Sources:
1. https://codes.findlaw.com/wy/title-31-motor-vehicles/wy-st-sect-31-5-403/
2. https://www.drivinglaws.org/resources/wyoming-red-light-stop-sign-tickets.html
3. http://www.wymc.net/docs/DriverLicenseRulesoftheRoad.pdf
