several of the lights have changed in knoxville recently to include red arrows.  we all know that a green arrow is a protected turn, usually left, sometime right when other lanes are stopped.  at the corner of executive park east and cedar bluff, the “no turn on red” signs were removed and red arrows were added.  i originally interpreted the red arrows to mean the same thing the signs stated.  of course, people continue to turn right there no matter what.  (in this town, they turned right despite the posted sign when it was up.)  i began to wonder if they had decided to change that rule.  so, i looked it up.  here’s the statement in the tennessee driver’s study guide, pages 16 & 17 (emphasis mine):

PROTECTED ARROWS: At many intersections, you may see what is called a “protected turn arrow.” When the arrow is green, you have the right-of-way and may drive the vehicle only in the direction of the arrow, after yielding to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection. When the arrow changes to yellow, prepare to yield to oncoming traffic. When the arrow is red or your lane has the red light, all turns are prohibited. This is true even if other lanes of traffic have agreen signal and your path through the intersection appears to be clear.

that is rather clear.  the only exception to this rule is found at the western avenue exit from I-640 west where a sign posted indicates that “right turns may be made after stopping.”

a friend of mine was traffic ticketed for turning right on a red arrow near broadway.  if that doesn’t reinforce the definition of red arrows prohibiting turns, i don’t know what else does.

i will note that if you have sufficient cause to believe this is incorrect, feel free to comment.  but if you do, site your sources specifically.  anything such as, “this cop friend of mine says it’s okay” doesn’t mean squat when you have a ticket in your hand in front a judge.

Tags: rules // Add Comment »