Can I turn left on a red light?

Posted 22 June, 2020 James Gratton

Pulling up to a set of traffic lights, you might be caught off guard if the car in front suddenly turns left even though the lights are red.   Well, you’d be surprised to know that you can actually turn left on a red signal at a select number of intersections across the state, with even more locations to be introduced at the end of the month. So how do you know if you’re at one of these intersections? Easy – under the traffic lights, there’ll be a sign stating, ‘Left Turn on Red Permitted After Stopping’. As the sign says, you’ll still need to stop at the line and give way to other traffic, cyclists and pedestrians in the intersection – and on the road you’re turning onto – before proceeding.   Currently, there are only 7 intersections across the state where you’re allowed to turn left on a red light. But a further 12 locations are set to be introduced at the end of the month as a part of a state government trial to cut congestion and travel times on South Australian roads.

Turning left on a red

    According to Transport Department figures, the change will allow 5700 cars each day to turn left when they would’ve normally been stopped at the lights. The trial will be reviewed in May 2021 and could be rolled out further depending on its success. Drivers who attempt to turn left on a red light at intersections that don’t permit such a manoeuvre can find themselves in hot water with police, even when there’s no traffic on the roads. This dangerous mistake can be deadly as other vehicles may be out of view and suddenly pass through the intersection. Not only that, but you can risk being hit with a $487 fine and 3 demerit points.

Where you can turn left on a red