It Turns Out You CAN Legally Turn Left On Red In Michigan

Throughout driver's training, my instructor told me he didn't want us to be "statistics". Namely, the statistic that 43% of first-year drivers are involved in car crashes, and the 16-20 age bracket has the most deaths of any other age bracket in the nation. Because of this, I was terrified to a) go through an intersection when the light was yellow and b) turn right on a red. Both were taking on extra risk for me, so I never did.

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Now, I'm more than happy to do both of these. However, I was always under the impression that you can only turn right on a red light. And while this is generally accurate, there is a unique situation that allows you to turn left on a red light, but only on a specific type of road.

Left On Red?

Much like turning right on red, turning left on red is legally allowed for the same reason it is safe to turn right. It is safe to turn on red as long as it is into the flow of traffic. That's why MCL - Section 257.612 1Cii highlights this clarification:

 "Vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal, after stopping before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or at a limit line when marked or, if there is no crosswalk or limit line, before entering the intersection...may make a left turn from a 1-way or 2-way street into a 1-way roadway carrying traffic in the direction of the left turn, unless prohibited by sign, signal, marking, light, or other traffic control device."

A user brought this up on the r/Lansing subreddit in a very insightful post, supplying the above location as an example of a road where a left turn on red would be allowed. It is important to note two things, however. Your car needs to come to a complete stop and ensure no traffic is coming.

Note: You cannot make this turn if "prohibited by a sign, signal, marking, light, or other traffic control device."

Read More: Yes, Michigan Once Had Speed Limit Signs That Changed After Dark

Obviously, you are never forced to turn on red, so if you aren't comfortable doing so, then don't. But turning left on red was something I never thought was possible. I probably won't ever do this maneuver, but if you frequently drive on a one-way road with a light you can't stand, you are more than allowed to turn if it's clear and safe to do so.