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, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is Remain stopped until a green traffic signal light or a green arrow appears.
The rule behind this one
California road signs, signals and pavement markings goes through the whole topic, with the page of the California Driver's Handbook behind every rule.
More on signs, signals and pavement markings
- The center of the road is marked with two sets of double solid yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart. What do these markings mean?
- You come to an intersection where the traffic signal is a flashing red light. What does it require you to do?
- You arrive at an intersection where the traffic signal is completely dark because of a power failure. What should you do?
- The light is green, but traffic ahead is backed up and you are not sure you can get all the way across the intersection before the light turns red. What should you do?