In the US, are drivers obligated to turn right on red when applicable?
In the US, are drivers obligated to turn right on red when applicable and able? No. If a right turn on red is legal, it is entirely up to the discretion of the driver whether it is safe to turn right or wishes to wait. The driver behind can yell, gesture, honk or otherwise turn purple for all the good it will do. Sometimes, the driver up front cant see past a vehicle to his left who pulled up too far and blocked his vision. Its safer to wait. Some drivers are not allowed to turn right on red at any time - school bus drivers for one - laws do vary from one state to another.