Can You Turn Left on Red? A Map of Left-Turn-on-Red Laws in the United States and Canada

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You’re sitting at a red light, signaling left. There’s no traffic coming. Can you legally turn left on red?

In the United States and Canada, the answer depends entirely on where you are. Left turns on red are allowed in many places — but not everywhere, and not always in the same way. In fact, traffic laws change noticeably from region to region, creating a kind of legal kaleidoscope on the continent’s roads. Let’s explore why that is and where exactly you can or can’t make a left turn on red.

Understanding Left Turns on Red: The Basics

In most of North America, drivers are allowed to turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop. But turning left on red is another story.

Generally, this maneuver is only legal when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street — and even then, it’s not always permitted. Some states and provinces have completely banned left turns on red. Others allow it in specific circumstances or only in certain cities.

This confusion leads many drivers — especially those crossing state or provincial borders — to wonder what’s actually allowed.

United States: Left Turn on Red Laws by State

State	Status
Alabama	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Alaska	Permitted from one-way or two-way street to one-way street
Arizona	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Arkansas	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
California	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Colorado	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Connecticut	Prohibited
Delaware	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Florida	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Georgia	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Hawaii	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Idaho	Permitted from one-way or two-way street to one-way street
Illinois	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Indiana	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Iowa	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Kansas	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Kentucky	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Louisiana	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Maine	Prohibited
Maryland	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Massachusetts	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Michigan	Permitted from one-way or two-way street to one-way street
Minnesota	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Mississippi	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Missouri	Prohibited
Montana	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Nebraska	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Nevada	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
New Hampshire	Prohibited
New Jersey	Prohibited
New Mexico	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
New York	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street (except in New York City)
North Carolina	Prohibited
North Dakota	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Ohio	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Oklahoma	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Oregon	Permitted from one-way or two-way street to one-way street
Pennsylvania	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Rhode Island	Prohibited
South Carolina	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
South Dakota	Prohibited unless local ordinance permits
Tennessee	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Vermont	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Virginia	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Washington	Permitted from one-way or two-way street to one-way street
West Virginia	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Wisconsin	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Wyoming	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
District of Columbia	Prohibited
Guam	Prohibited

Canada: Left Turn on Red Laws by Province/Territory

Province / Territory	Status
Alberta	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
British Columbia	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Manitoba	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
New Brunswick	Prohibited
Newfoundland and Labrador	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Nova Scotia	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Ontario	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Prince Edward Island	Prohibited
Quebec	Generally prohibited outside of the Island of Montreal; permitted elsewhere from one-way to one-way
Saskatchewan	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Northwest Territories	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Nunavut	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street
Yukon	Permitted from one-way street to one-way street

Why These Laws Differ

You might be wondering — why can’t we all just have the same rules? The answer lies in how traffic laws are created.

In both the U.S. and Canada, traffic regulations are mostly decided at the state or provincial level. This means that local governments weigh factors like:

• Urban density (e.g., NYC or Montreal’s crowded streets)
• Crash data and safety records
• Infrastructure design
• Public opinion and driving culture

Take New York City, for example. Even though New York State allows left-on-red in certain conditions, NYC itself bans it entirely for safety reasons. With dense pedestrian traffic and complex intersections, the city prioritizes caution.

Meanwhile, Montreal, one of Canada’s largest cities, enforces a similar ban on its island — even though Quebec allows left-on-red outside the city. Again, it’s all about reducing risk in high-traffic environments.

In rural or suburban areas with wider roads and better visibility, lawmakers may feel it’s safe enough to allow left turns on red. It’s a balancing act between safety, efficiency, and local driving culture.

Practical Tips for Drivers

If you’re road-tripping or just unsure about local rules, here’s what to keep in mind:

• Look for signs. Many intersections post clear “No Turn on Red” signs.
• When in doubt, don’t turn. If you’re uncertain, waiting for green is always the safer (and legal) choice.
• Check local laws. Especially when driving in unfamiliar states or cities, review traffic regulations ahead of time.

Fun Fact: North America vs. The World

Did you know that outside of North America, left turns on red are usually not allowed at all? In many countries — including those that drive on the left, like the UK or Australia — traffic lights are stricter, and this kind of maneuver just isn’t part of the driving playbook.

So, if you’re visiting North America from abroad, or vice versa, expect some serious culture shock behind the wheel!