Right Turn on Red: Permissive Signing vs. Basic Law

In 1965 the Minnesota Legislature amended the State Statutes to permit drivers to make a right turn on a red light (RTOR) after stopping, but only where "permissive" signing (Figure I) had been posted. When study and experience failed to reveal evidence which would oppose the use of RTOR, the law was renewed in 1967 and again in 1969. Continued favorable experience led to a change from the "permissive sign" RTOR to a "basic law" RTOR, which became effective on July 1, 1972. On that date, the RTOR became legal except where banned by appropriate signing (Figure II).

During the seven years of permissive sign RTOR, most jurisdictions in the State took advantage of the law (although to varying extents). Initially, signs were placed conservatively and no major problems developed. Gradually, the use expanded until the signs became quite common. Since July 1, 1972 the statewide practice has been to ban the movement only where geometries are unfavorable, where sight distance is limited, or where unusual pedestrian situations exist. The City of Minneapolis is the only jurisdiction with a substantial number of signs posted.

Since no warrants for RTOR had been formally accepted and discussion on the movement continued, a study was conducted to compare driver performance and delay under the pre July 1 permissive signing and the post July 1 basic law. Subsequently, 54 intersections were selected for delay and compliance studies.