Modes of Transportation

Turning Right at a Red Light

Turning right at a red light is allowed across the province of Québec, except on the island of Montréal and where prohibited by a traffic sign.

Penalties for failure to comply with the rules related to turning right at a red light

Drivers must come to a full stop before turning right at a red light.

Not coming to a full stop before turning right at a red light or turning right where prohibited is just like running a red light!

Drivers and cyclists who don't make the mandatory full stop face fines and demerit points.

Turning right at a red light is a privilege, not an obligation

  • Respect the decision of a driver who decides not to turn right at a red light.
  • Never honk your horn to force the driver ahead. Doing so is not only rude, it is also an offence liable to a fine of $100 to $200 for using the horn without a valid reason.

Turning right: allowed or not?

Concerning the prohibition from turning right on red on the island of Montréal

Traffic signs indicating the prohibition from turning right on red have been installed at Montréal points of entry, including bridges, tunnels, ferries and the airport.

In the city of Québec and elsewhere in the province

Turning right at a red light is allowed, unless otherwise indicated.

For reasons of safety, right turns on red may be prohibited at all times or during specific periods. If such is the case, a traffic sign indicates the prohibition.

Steps to follow

If you are a driver or cyclist

  1. Stop
    • Coming to a full stop is mandatory.
    • Come to a stop behind the stop line or pedestrian crossing.
    • Remember, a pedestrian who is authorized to enter the intersection has the right of way.
  2. Look
    • Make sure you are allowed to make a right turn on a red light.
    • Yield the right of way to pedestrians or to road vehicles and cyclists that have entered or are about to enter the intersection.
    • Look in your right rearview mirror and check your right blind spot to make sure no pedestrians or cyclists are present.
  3. Decide
    • You are not required to turn right at a red light. If you decide to do so, you can turn when the lane is free of traffic.

If you are a pedestrian

You must always be particularly vigilant at intersections where turning right at a red light is permitted.

  1. Stop
    Stop on the sidewalk or side of the road, if there is no sidewalk.
  2. Look
    Look left, ahead, right and over your left shoulder to make sure no vehicles or cyclists are about to turn right on a red light.
  3. Decide
    Once you are certain the way is clear and the traffic light authorizes you to enter the intersection, you can cross.

Last update: May 27, 2022