<P> Most Caribbean countries with right - hand traffic, such as the Dominican Republic, allow right turn on red unless a sign prohibits it . Some vehicles, such as those carrying hazardous materials and school buses, are not allowed to turn on red under any circumstance and must wait for a green light or arrow . </P> <P> During 1982--1992, approximately 84 fatal crashes per year occurred in the U.S. where a vehicle was turning right at intersections where right turn on red was permitted . As of 1992, right turn on red is governed federally by 42 U.S.C. § 6322 (c) ("Each proposed State energy conservation plan to be eligible for Federal assistance under this part shall include:...(5) a traffic law or regulation which, to the maximum extent practicable consistent with safety, permits the operator of a motor vehicle to turn such vehicle right at a red stop light after stopping, and to turn such vehicle left from a one - way street onto a one - way street at a red light after stopping ."). All turns on red are forbidden in New York City unless a sign is posted permitting it . </P> <P> Through most of Canada, a driver may turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop unless a sign indicates otherwise . In the province of Quebec, turning right on a red was illegal until a pilot study carried out in 2003 showed that the right turn on red manoeuvre did not result in significantly more accidents . Subsequent to the study, the Province of Quebec now allows right turns on red except where prohibited by a sign . However, like in New York City, it remains illegal to turn right on a red anywhere on the Island of Montreal . Motorists are reminded of this by large signs posted at the entrance to all bridges . </P> <P> In Mexico, right turns on red are generally allowed unless a sign indicates otherwise . Mexico City has implemented a new transit law which prohibits right turns and motorists can be issued a citation for noncompliance . </P>

When is a right turn permitted at a red light