Question: When I want to turn right at a red light that has a "Right Turn Signal" sign, am I allowed to proceed when safe?
Common online debates suggest you must wait for the green arrow at major intersections. Looking at SW Marine Drive and Cambie Street in Vancouver, the lack of a "No Right Turn on Red" sign leaves many drivers guessing. Here is the legal breakdown.
The Role of the Right Turn Signal Sign
The Right Turn Signal sign is a regulatory sign. Its primary purpose is to identify which specific signal head governs your lane. While it regulates which light you look at, it does not inherently change the standard rules for turning on red.
BC Motor Vehicle Act: The Green Arrow (Section 130)
When you see that green arrow, you are in a "protected" phase:
Section 130 (1): When a green arrow is exhibited... the driver... may enter the intersection and to make only the movement indicated by the green arrow, but must yield the right of way to pedestrians...
The Rule for Turning Right on Red (Section 129)
Under the BC Motor Vehicle Act, the default law is that you can turn right on red unless a sign forbids it.
Section 129 (3): Except when a right turn permitted by this subsection is prohibited by a sign at an intersection, the driver... facing the red light... may cause the vehicle to make a right turn...
The Only Sign That Prohibits the Turn
The Verdict for SW Marine & Cambie
Because there is no "No Right Turn on Red" sign at the SW Marine Drive and Cambie Street intersection, the general rule applies. Drivers must:
- Come to a complete stop.
- Yield to all pedestrians and cross-traffic.
- Proceed only when it is safe to do so.
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