JACKSON, Missis. (DDN) – We’ve all been there. As time went on, the anger grew as they sat at a red light and longed to turn right onto an empty street. At peak times, this happens a lot in Mississippi towns like Jackson and Biloxi, which are very busy. The right turn on red is a helpful traffic rule that can help clear the road and get us going again.
However, it’s important to know the rules and safety steps before you speed through that red light on your next right turn. Mississippi’s right-on-red law hasn’t changed much in 2025, but it’s still a good idea to review the rules and drive safely to avoid crashes and keep everyone on the road safe.
The Right on Red Law in Mississippi
Mississippi Code Title 63. Motor Vehicles & Traffic Regulations § 63-3-309(b) says that the law allows people to make right turns on red lights. For easier understanding, you can turn right on a red light after stopping, unless the light itself says not to.
Right Turn on Red: Exceptions and Rules
In some cases, it is illegal or not a good idea to make a right turn on a red light. What you need to know is this:
- Signs that say “Do Not Turn on Red”
Follow these signs at all times. They are different from the general “right-on-red” rule and are often found at crossings with a lot of pedestrians, poor visibility, or complicated road layouts.
- Giving Way Right-of-Way
This is very important. Before you make your right turn, make sure you give way to people crossing the street and traffic coming the other way who has the green light. Always remember that a safe turn is better than a quick one.
- Troubled Situations
When it might not be safe to make a right turn on a red light, use your best judgment. This includes situations where there is a lot of traffic going the other way, visibility is low because of bad weather, or there are complicated intersections with lots of turning lanes.
Safe Right Turns on Red: What Mississippi Drivers Should Do
Now that you know what the law says, let’s talk about how to safely make a right turn on a red light in Mississippi. Even though it seems clear, it’s important to say again. Stop right away before you even think about going right. Not doing so can get you a ticket and, more importantly, makes it more likely that an accident will happen.
Don’t think that a red light that lets you turn right is green. Here’s a safe way to yield:
- Look at the Intersection: Use your mirrors and turn your head to look at the crossing from every direction before making the turn. Watch out for people crossing the street, cars coming the other way that may still be going through the intersection on a yellow light, and cars turning from other lanes.
- Prioritizing the Right of Way: Let whoever has the right-of-way have it. This includes people crossing the street at the crosswalk and cars coming the other way with the green light or who are already turning left. Safety should come before speed, even if it means waiting an extra turn cycle.
- Key to Careful Turns: Carefully make your right turn once you’re sure it’s safe to do so. Don’t go too fast through the turn, and be ready to stop if you have to because of something out of the ordinary, like a person crossing the road in an illegal area.
Right Turns on Red: Pros and Cons
When it comes to right turns on red, there are two sides to every story. Let’s look into both:
Pros
Especially during rush hours, making right turns on red can make traffic move a lot better. This keeps everyone going, cuts down on traffic, and shortens commute times.
Cons
If you don’t do it carefully, making a right turn on a red light can cause you to hit pedestrians or cars going the other way. Remember that safety should always come first.
Conclusion
It’s important to know the “right turn on red” rule and follow safe driving habits. Remember that in Mississippi, you can make a right turn on a red light after coming to a full stop, but only if there are no signs that say you can’t and you give way to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
Safety should come before speed. If the crossing isn’t clear, don’t be afraid to wait for another turn cycle. The Mississippi Driver’s Manual has all the information you need about Mississippi’s traffic rules and how to drive safely.
Leave a Reply