Turning Left on Red in Florida
Road safety is a concern for everybody, and all hands must be on deck to ensure the road remains safe for all users. Whether walking, cycling, riding, or driving, you should be deliberate about staying safe and not endangering the lives of other road users. Of course, nobody ever plans to get into a road accident. But it sometimes still happens, mostly because dome drivers refuse to obey traffic rules. An example of this could be that they turn left on red, where it is not allowed.
Traffic laws are rules that help make the road safe for road users. They include a range of said and unsaid rules and visible signs that give different directions to road users. While some laws are loud and clear, others depend on specific parameters. One such law that tends to confuse many drivers at times is turning left on red. This article will explain this rule and whether you can turn left on red in Florida.
Can You Turn Left on Red in Florida?
Turning left on red means turning into the direction of traffic when the traffic lights are on red. Typically, you would expect drivers to wait for the lights to turn green to make this turn. But you don’t know that it is not entirely wrong to make a left turn with the lights still on red. About 38 states in the United States, including Florida, allow you to turn left on red, but only when turning from a one-way street into another. However, left turners are expected to yield the right of way to vehicles driving from the other lane.
1. Are Any Exceptions to the Rule of Not Turning Left on Red in Florida?
When you get to an intersection in Florida with a red light, you can turn left into a one-way lane. However, you are expected to first come to a complete stop, evaluate the traffic condition in the lane, and only turn left when there are no oncoming vehicles.
But then, there’s an exception to this rule, which is often very clear for road users. If it is unsafe to turn left on red in an intersection, a sign often reads “NO TURN ON RED.” If this sign is on the road, attempting a left turn on red is illegal. On such occasions, you are expected to wait until a green light signals that it’s safe to turn.
2. What is the Penalty for Turning Left on Red in Florida When Not Allowed?
The law about turning left on red is clear in Florida, and violating this law often attracts punishment. However, the punishment can be in grades, depending on the result of the left turn at that point. If you turn left on red when you are not supposed to in Florida, you will most likely be charged with a $125 fine before getting a three points deduction from your driver’s license.
On the other hand, if you make an illegal turn and cause an accident, expect the punishment to be more severe. Of course, you will be made to pay the fine and have points deducted from your license. But then, the State of Florida may also require you and your insurance company to pay for damages done. At this point, you may require a car accident lawyer to help you better assess the situation and plead your case.
3. What if a Sign Indicates that Left Turn on Red is Allowed in Florida?
This is as straightforward as road safety rules can get If a sign shows that a left turn on red is allowed, then it is completely legal to make the turn. However, only once you are 100% sure it is safe to turn.
So, here’s what to do; when you get to an intersection, first stop at the stop line. Next, you may want to closely observe the traffic on the other lane to ensure no oncoming vehicles. This is because the right of way usually belongs to drivers in the lane you are turning into.
Once the coast is clear, you can make your turn with the confidence that you are not breaking any law. Additionally, following these easy steps can help you prevent left-turn accidents, which are common according to NHTSA statistics. Here are some tips to help you make safe left turns in Florida.
- When safe, move to the left lane and stay close to the curb.
- Stop your vehicle at the intersection and observe the traffic in the opposite lane.
- Stay focused to avoid miscalculating the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles.
- Unless blocked within 30 meters of the intersection, turning into the lane closest to the left curb would be safest.
The Coleman Law Group Can Help You
While all the traffic laws highlighted in this article can significantly boost your chances of staying safe on the road, it is not a guarantee that you will avoid getting into accidents. This is quite understandable, considering other factors affect road safety. So, ensure your PIP cover and all the necessary insurances are up to date, especially since Florida is a no-fault state.
Lastly, you may need a personal injury attorney to help you get the right compensation in cases of accidents, and the Coleman Law Group is always your best option. The professionals here can help you file for a claim and get the best out of your left-turn accidents. Contact us today, and let’s help you win that case!
