First, when are you required to signal, (I mean how far ahead of time)? Also, is there ever a time when drivers can legally turn left on a red arrow after stopping, like they do on right turns? Thanks!

Answer: For the first question, Minnesota law requires you to signal at least 100 feet before a turn. A turn would include a lane change or other change of course. For the second question, yes, believe it or not, there are times when a driver can legally turn left on a red arrow (but like you said, only after stopping) like they do on right turns. Let me explain those instances.

My translation of the law in one instance is when a motorcyclist fails to get a green arrow because the sensors failed to pick up the motorcycle and they sat through a couple red lights without getting the green arrow, or the signal is malfunctioning and it’s obvious that they are not going to get a green arrow. If that happens, the motorcyclist can make that left turn on a red arrow when it is safe and clear to do so and there is no sign prohibiting it, but only after coming to a complete stop first and waiting through a couple light cycles to be sure that they are not getting a green light. They cannot just come up to any red arrow and then turn after stopping, or even “rolling” through the stop light. I have seen that happen. That’s against the law and they will be charged for running a semaphore if they do that.

Another instance is when you are driving any vehicle from a one-way street to another one-way street requiring only a left turn. In that case, if the motorist stops, and there is no traffic, and there is no sign prohibiting the left turn on a red light, then a left turn can be made from that one-way road onto the other one-way road. I am personally not aware of any other instances that left turns can be made on red lights.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws in Minnesota, please send your questions to: Trooper Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501. Or reach me at jesse.grabow@state.mn.us