Driving safely requires understanding the various traffic rules, including those concerning red lights. But these rules work differently depending on which part of New York you are in. Although the traffic laws can be confusing, if you know them you can reduce the chances of heavy fines and points that will raise your insurance premiums.

Our goal at The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers is to help drivers save money by avoiding unnecessary tickets. In the event they get one, however, we are here to help them defend their rights. Here is what all drivers need to know about New York City and red lights.

Red Light Right Turns Generally Prohibited in NYC

The rules that work in New York City with respect to red lights are different from most of the rest of the state. As a general rule, it is illegal to turn right on a red light in the city. That means unless a traffic sign explicitly allows a right turn on red, it is not allowed.

This is due in part to such factors as high traffic volume, numerous pedestrians, and limited visibility. Put simply, New York City puts a higher premium on safety and limiting the risk of an accident than it does on driver convenience. If you are at a red light, and you are unsure whether you can turn right, it is best to assume that you cannot.

Most of New York State Allows Red Light Right Turns

The rule concerning red lights is generally reversed for most of the rest of the state. New York in most areas allows drivers to turn right on a red light. But there are a few things to keep in mind:

Stop first: Before turning on a red light, a driver must first come to a complete stop. Failure to do so could result in a ticket.
Yield: After coming to a complete stop, a driver must yield to any pedestrians or oncoming vehicles. If a driver turns first and cuts these people off, a ticket is likely.
Signs may prohibit right turns: Just as there are signs in New York City that allow right turns on red in certain places, a sign in the rest of New York may outlaw it. If a sign says no right on red, follow it.

What Happens If You Get a Ticket?

A ticket for an illegal right turn on red can be costly. Drivers who break the law could face:

Fines: A fine could be as low as $50 or as high as $300, depending on the circumstances. Aggravating factors such as failure to yield and failure to come to a complete stop could result in a higher penalty.
Points: The DMV will add three points to the driver’s record for an illegal right turn on a red light. If you receive 11 or more points within an 18-month period, your driver’s license will get suspended.
Higher insurance premiums: If you are convicted of turning right on a red light, your automobile insurance premium will likely increase. This can cost you more money for a long time.

Defense Strategies for Your Ticket

Receiving a ticket for turning right at a red light can be frustrating, and nobody wants to pay the fines and higher insurance rates. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to raise a few defenses:

Challenge the evidence: Red light cameras frequently enforce the law, but these devices are prone to error. Have an experienced New York traffic attorney review the evidence to see if a challenge is possible.
There was a sign: If there was a sign permitting the right turn on red, you can raise this as a defense. Not all law enforcement officers know where these signs are, and may mistakenly issue a ticket for an illegal right turn.
Contesting the aggravating factors: If the state tries to argue that there were aggravating factors like failure to yield, you may be able to challenge this. For instance, you may have a dashcam in your vehicle that clearly recorded footage of you yielding.

Explore Your Legal Options Today

Did you receive a ticket for turning right at a red light? Before you plead guilty, have an attorney take a look at your legal options. Call our office or complete our online contact form to get started now.