Several intersections throughout town have "No Right Turn On Red" signs or lights posted in order to assist traffic safety. Some of the intersections include Huntington Drive/Second Avenue, the eastbound Interstate 210 exit at Baldwin Avenue, First Avenue/Santa Clara Street, and eastbound Huntington Drive/Santa Clara Street. The majority of intersections are signed with universal symbol or older style, block print signs indicating that a turn is prohibited on a red signal.
The one exception is the intersection of Huntington Drive at Santa Clara Street where there are three LED signs that only illuminate in conjunction with the pedestrian signal. The LED signs display the universal "No Right Turn On Red" symbol when lighted. One of the sections used to enforce these signs is CVC 21461(a).
It is important for drivers to obey these signs and signals. As stated, the primary reason for restricting a right turn is to enhance driver and pedestrian safety. There may be roadway or vision obstructions that are not readily apparent to drivers or there may be a need for a protected pedestrian phase. These signs are not posted without cause, so please be aware of posted signs and obey the direction or restriction.
I was visiting the Arboretum last week when I was pulled over after turning right on red onto Baldwin Ave. The intersection had been turned into a cottage industry by the police department. There was an assembly line in progress. One officer strolling around before the turn with a radio and three after the turn writing tickets. There were two vehicles ahead of me when I was pulled over and two more followed while I was being cited. I am totally in favor of enforcing the law but this was essentially a revenue generator in progress. There was no obvious reason why this intersection is no turn on red other than it is not possible to observe the vehicles pulled over before making the turn. A red light equivalence to a speed trap!
ReplyDeleteThis just happened to me!
ReplyDeleteSpeed trap. We’re you able to contest it?