Can you turn on a red light?

Checked against each country's official sources, most recently 15 October 2026

North Americans can usually turn right on red after stopping. Almost everywhere else, red means wait, and the fines are steep.

CountryTurning on red
AustraliaOnly where a sign or arrow allows it The turn is to the left, because traffic drives on the left.
CanadaAllowed after a full stop You may turn right on a red light after a complete stop, once pedestrians and traffic have passed, unless a sign forbids it.
CroatiaNot allowed You may not turn right on a red light.
FranceNot allowed A red light means stop at the line, whichever way you are turning.
GermanyOnly where a sign or arrow allows it You may turn right on a red light only where a small sign with a green arrow on a black background is fixed to the right of the red light.
GreeceNot allowed A steady red light means stop and wait for green, including when turning right.
IcelandNot allowed The Traffic Act bans driving against a red light. There is no right turn on red.
IrelandNot allowed You may not turn left on a red light. Only a green filter arrow lets you go in the direction it points while the main light is red.
ItalyNot allowed A red light means stop at the stop line. Italian law makes no exception for turning right.
JapanNot allowed You cannot turn left or right on a red light. Japan drives on the left, and there is no left-on-red rule like the right-on-red rule in the United States and Canada.
New ZealandNot allowed A red light means stop for all traffic, including drivers turning left.
PortugalNot allowed Red means stop, and you must not pass the light.
SpainNot allowed A flashing amber light means go on with extra care and give way where needed. It does not cancel any other sign that tells you to stop.
SwitzerlandNot allowed A red light means stop. A black arrow inside the red light means the stop applies only to that direction.
United KingdomNot allowed You must not cross the white stop line while the red light shows, so turning left on red is not allowed.
United StatesAllowed after a full stop You may turn right on a red light after stopping completely at the stop line and giving way to pedestrians and traffic, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.