Left turn on red Only one-way onto one-way
You may turn left at a red light only from a one-way street onto a one-way street, and only after a full stop at the limit line. Start the turn from the far-left lane. Yield to pedestrians and to traffic with the green light. Not where a sign forbids the turn.
CVC 21453(b) · CA Driver's Handbook, "Left Turn Against a Red Light" and "Examples of Turns" (5)
Can you turn left on red in California?
Only from a one-way street onto a one-way street, after a full stop and where no sign forbids it (CVC 21453(b)). Yield to pedestrians and close traffic.
Why this rule exists
Turning left from a one-way street onto a one-way street crosses no oncoming traffic, so it is like a right on red. From or onto a two-way street you would cut across traffic that does not expect you.
Step by step on the road
- Check both streets: ONE WAY signs on the street you are on and on the one you turn into, and no DO NOT ENTER for your turn.
- Move to the far-left lane and signal left.
- Make a full stop at the limit line.
- Look both ways. Let pedestrians in the crosswalk and traffic with the green light go first.
- Turn left only when it is clear and no sign forbids the turn.
Common mistakes
- Turning left on red from a two-way street, or onto one.
- Rolling into the turn without a full stop.
- Starting the turn from the right or middle lane.
- Missing a sign that forbids the turn.
On the DMV drive test
DL 955 lists not stopping at a red light as a critical driving error, and also rolling through a right turn on red faster than 4 mph: make the same full stop before a left turn on red. On the DL 32 score sheet a left turn is marked for traffic check, signal, lane use, full stop, stopping at the limit line, wheels straight while you wait, yield and ending in the correct lane. A turn from the wrong lane is a critical driving error.
Based on the DMV’s Driving Test Criteria (DL 955) and its score sheet (DL 32). How the drive test works ›Questions people ask
Can you turn left on red from a two-way street onto a one-way street?
No. In California a left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto a one-way street (CVC 21453(b)).
Do you have to stop before turning left on red?
Yes: a full stop at the limit line, or before the crosswalk if there is no line (CVC 21453(a)).
Who goes first when you turn left on red?
Pedestrians in the crosswalk and the traffic with the green light. Turn only when it is clear both ways.
Test yourself
Kees' three questions on this rule, the “Did you know?” facts and his tip come with the drive, in Voorrah! Pro.
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