Signs, signals and pavement markings
You are stopped at a signal showing a red arrow and want to turn in the direction the arrow points. What must you do?
- Turn after coming to a complete stop, the same as at a solid red light.
- Remain stopped until a green traffic signal light or a green arrow appears. Correct answer
- Turn as long as no pedestrians are in the crosswalk.
Why
A red arrow is stricter than a solid red light. At a solid red light you may turn right after a complete stop, as long as no NO TURN ON RED sign is posted and you yield to pedestrians. A red arrow removes that permission entirely: it means stop, do not turn, and stay stopped until a green light or a green arrow appears. The arrow exists precisely because that turning movement conflicts with other traffic at that moment, so an empty crosswalk changes nothing. Memory hook: a solid red circle lets you turn right after stopping; a red arrow never lets you turn.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, DL 600 ENGLISH (REV. 6/2025). The correct answer is Remain stopped until a green traffic signal light or a green arrow appears..