Yes, you can turn right on a red arrow in Washington state. The rules are the same as for a solid round red light: come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians and cross-traffic, and proceed only if the way is clear and no sign prohibits the turn.1Washington State Legislature. Washington Code Title 46 Chapter 46.61 Section 46.61.055 Many drivers assume the arrow shape means “no turning at all.” It doesn’t.
How to Make the Turn Legally
Under RCW 46.61.055, a driver facing a steady red arrow may turn right after stopping completely. Stop before the marked stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection itself.1Washington State Legislature. Washington Code Title 46 Chapter 46.61 Section 46.61.055
Then yield. Pedestrians in the crosswalk have the right-of-way, and so does every vehicle lawfully in the intersection or approaching it on a green. Only when both the crosswalk and the intersection are genuinely clear can you complete the turn.2Washington State Legislature. WAC 468-95-250 Meaning of Signal Indications
Creeping forward while you wait for a gap doesn’t count as yielding. The statute requires you to stay behind the stop line until the path is actually open.2Washington State Legislature. WAC 468-95-250 Meaning of Signal Indications
Why the Arrow Shape Doesn’t Matter
A red arrow carries exactly the same legal rules for right turns as a solid circular red. The arrow indicates which direction the signal controls. It is not a stronger prohibition, and it does not override your right to turn after stopping. Drivers who sit at a red arrow waiting for green when the intersection is empty and no sign bars the turn are following a rule that doesn’t exist in Washington.
When You Cannot Turn
A posted “No Turn on Red” sign ends the discussion. If you see one, wait for the green no matter how clear the road looks.2Washington State Legislature. WAC 468-95-250 Meaning of Signal Indications The same goes for any time pedestrians or cross-traffic have the right-of-way; you remain stopped until they clear.
One boundary worth noting since the rules overlap: a left turn on a red arrow is only legal when you are turning from any street onto a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of your turn.1Washington State Legislature. Washington Code Title 46 Chapter 46.61 Section 46.61.055 Right turns do not have that restriction.
What a Ticket Costs If You Get It Wrong
An illegal turn against a red signal is a traffic infraction. That covers turning where a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted, failing to stop first, or completing a turn without yielding. The base fine is $48, but mandatory state assessments and surcharges push the actual out-of-pocket cost to roughly $145.3Washington Courts. IRLJ 6.2 Monetary Penalty Schedule for Infractions4Washington Courts eService Center. Traffic Infraction Penalty Calculations
A ticket written by an officer is a moving violation. It goes on your driving record, and insurers can raise your premiums for several years once they see it.
A red light camera ticket works differently. Automated camera infractions are processed like parking tickets, mailed to the registered owner, and kept off any driving record.5Washington State Legislature. RCW 46.63.170 Automated Traffic Safety Cameras Your insurance won’t rise directly from one, but ignoring it can block your registration renewal and send the fine to collections. The camera fine cannot exceed the standard signal penalty, so it tops out around $145 in most jurisdictions.4Washington Courts eService Center. Traffic Infraction Penalty Calculations