Ask the officer Ask the officer (September 20, 2002)

Pleasanton Traffic Officer Scott Mullin answers questions about the Pleasanton Police Department. Q: Is it legal to make a right turn on red from the second turn lane? A: There are many intersections in Pleasanton where there are two right turn lanes. It is legal to make a right turn on a red circular traffic light from either of the right turn lanes when it is safe to do so, unless there is a sign posted prohibiting the turn. All of the intersections under the exclusive control of the city of Pleasanton with dual right turn lanes are posted with signs stating, "Right turn on red from right lane only." When these signs are posted, a driver may only turn right on a red circular signal from the lane closest to the curb.

There are some intersections in Pleasanton with dual right turn lanes that do not have signs. These intersections are under the joint control of Caltrans and the city of Pleasanton. Caltrans will not allow these intersections to be posted for the "right turn on red from right lane only" control.

Additionally, drivers should be aware that they may not make any such movement against a red arrow. For example, if an intersection, such as the westbound I-580 off-ramp to southbound First Street in Livermore, has right turn red arrows, a driver must stop and remain stopped until the green signal is displayed. The driver may not turn right when the red right turn arrow is displayed.
To ask local police your questions, send your queries to: Ask Your OfficersPleasanton Weekly4713 First Street, Suite 155, Pleasanton, CA 94566 Or fax: 600-9559 Or e-mail: editor@PleasantonWeekly.com