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Turn on redSwitzerland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Switzerland. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Switzerland

89. Turn on red

Turn on red is a traffic rule or signal arrangement that allows certain road users to proceed in a specified direction despite a red traffic light. It most commonly permits a turn after the driver has stopped or yielded, but the exact procedure varies between countries.

A turn on red is not universally permitted. It may be allowed generally, only when a specific sign or signal is present, or prohibited entirely. Drivers must always follow the local traffic lights, signs, priority rules and pedestrian or cyclist crossings before proceeding.

Turn on red
Sign indicating cyclists are allowed to turn right on a red traffic light. (Lancy, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • MHM55 • CC BY-SA
What does turn on red mean?

Turn on red means that a road user may proceed in a specified turning direction despite a red traffic light when local law or a specific sign or signal permits it.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Road Code, Articles 61.1 and 67.3, signs B22/B23

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV, Driver Handbook, turns at red lights

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Article 23, vehicle signals; sign-system reference

Do you have to stop before turning on red?

Check the local rule for the particular sign and road user. Some systems require a complete stop before a permitted turn against red; others provide a specified yielding exception, such as certain Belgian cyclist signs. A separate green movement signal is a different form of permission and should not be confused with an exception to red.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Road Code, Articles 61.1 and 67.3, signs B22/B23

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV, Driver Handbook, turns at red lights

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Article 23, vehicle signals; sign-system reference

What should you do if you are unsure whether turning on red is allowed?

Remain stopped until a signal clearly permits you to proceed. Never pass a red light based only on what is permitted in another country.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Road Code, Articles 61.1 and 67.3, signs B22/B23

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV, Driver Handbook, turns at red lights

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Article 23, vehicle signals; sign-system reference

1 Switzerland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Tunnel 12 Pedestrian zone 13 Customs 14 One-way traffic 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Road narrowing 24 Priority over oncoming traffic 25 Give way to oncoming traffic 26 Pedestrian crossing 27 Railway crossing 28 Mandatory direction 29 Turn prohibition 30 School area 31 Overtaking 32 Crossing animals 33 Slippery road 34 Rockfall 35 Aircraft 36 Curve 37 Chevron 38 Wrong-way driving 39 Roadworks 40 Crosswind 41 Height limit 42 Width limit 43 Length limit 44 Weight limit 45 Intersection direction sign 46 Priority at the next junction 47 Traffic lights 48 Traffic lights warning 49 Pedestrian lights 50 Road markings 51 Junction layout 52 Driving licence 53 Location marker 54 Road number 55 Countdown markers 56 Traffic mirror 57 Emergency telephone 58 International border 59 Pedestrian underpass 60 Cycling route 61 End of restriction 62 Parking 63 No parking 64 No stopping 65 Parking disc 66 Reversing 67 U-turn 68 Traffic jam 69 Detour 70 Uncontrolled crossroad 71 Road surface 72 Exit 73 Information point 74 Horse riding 75 Emergency exit 76 Runaway truck ramp 77 Radio service 78 Oversize load 79 City limit 80 Hospital 81 Parking garage 82 Passing place 83 Pedestrian overpass 84 Axle weight limit 85 Licence plate 86 Charging station 87 Dangers 88 Weather 89 Turn on red 90 Pedestrian 91 Cyclist 92 Moped 93 Motorcycle 94 Car 95 Truck 96 Bus 97 Police 98 Ambulance 99 Tailgating 100 European emission standard ...