Is it legal to make a right turn in the middle lane of an intersection with a traffic light after stopping?

Question

If you're on a road with 3 or more lanes on the side you're driving and you come to an intersection with a traffic signal and the lanes are marked so that you can make a right turn on either of the 2 right lanes. In California, I know you can make a right turn after coming to a complete stop at a red light when it's safe to do so (assuming there's not a "no turn on red" sign) in the right-most lane.

My question is, at a red light after you've come to a complete stop, can you legally make a right turn in the middle lane or second lane from the right if the lane indicates you can make a right turn?

If you know specifically for California roads, that'd be great, but I'd presume the law would be pretty much be the same in any state. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

It's legal in California unless there is a sign explicitly stating "Right turn on red from right lane only".

Answer 2

If you live where right turns on red lights are allowed, then when you have a lane designation sign above your lane indicating that you may go straight or make a right turn, you may legally make a right turn on a red light, whether it's the curb lane, or second lane, etc.

Also check with your local authorities to make sure there are no laws to the contrary. Traffic laws differ slightly from state to state/province to province.

Where I live, in British Columbia Canada, you may do the same thing when turning left from a one way street onto another one way street, so, check with your Driver's Handbook or a police officer or Driving Examiner to make sure it's legal first.

I hope that helps!

Answer 3

If you are not in the curb side lane it is not legal to make the right hand turn on red.

You are to turn into the lane closet to the curb or the one designated for that lane.