Currently in the Dordogne in the middle of a driving trip . In the past I have read that there is no right turn on red at intersections with traffic lights, unless of course , there are green arrows. But in this area l have noticed yield signs attached to the lower signal posts at some intersections. Does this mean right turn on red is okay, or something else?
Thanks
Chris
By yield sign do you mean a give way sign?
If so, that's to remind you on turning right you have to allow pedestrians to cross the road. There is no right turn on a red light, although you may encounter a yellow (or sometimes green) flashing arrow, which means you can turn right with care.
“l have noticed yield signs attached to the lower signal posts at some intersections. Does this mean right turn on red is okay, or something else?”
The traffic signs attached to the poles of traffic lights, give information who has the right of way and who has to yield in case the traffic lights don’t work due to a power outtage or something like that.
Badger - you would make yourself very unpopular in many parts of the world if you were turning right and stopped on a red light even though there was no other traffic. Cut people some slack - traffic rules are NOT the same all over the world.
You will also sometimes see the yellow diamond sign attached to traffic lights as well. That indicates that you have the right of way in case the lights don't work.
What Simon says (see what I did there?).
There is one traffic signal we get occasionally around here. It isn't mentioned in any of the "how to drive in France" guides online, and last week I was asked by an American who lives in Villefranche what it means.
It's the red + traffic light.
I now know what it means, but I'd never criticise anyone who didn't. I'm not sure it ever made its way south
does it mean the same as two white lights horizontal
Jeremy Clarkson once said: "The only good thing to come out of America is a right turn on red."
Nigel - around here two horizontal lights (like an = ) is just for trams. Don't think I've ever seen two white lights next to another.
I was planning to write the definitive blog post on french traffic lights, but the more research I do the more I am of the opinion that such a thing isn't possible.
Simon, please do as I will be driving in Loire Valley in the summer. I will add it to my study list for our trip.
Simon, I was talking about tram/bus signals!!! Two small side by side white lights, read like a semaphore signal so stop. There's also two small white lights one above the other, trams and bus go.
Don't yet know about the red + .
We do love when driving our English car in France the mini traffic light repeaters on the traffic light column at window height. Helps driving on the wrong side a bunch.
If by the "red +" traffic light what people are referring to is below:
It indicates that traffic facing you has a red light, which usually means you can turn left without having to worry about traffic in the opposite direction. If, however, that light is green it means traffic in the opposite direction has a green light. "If" this is what is being referred to as the red + light.
FM. That's the one, although there is never a green "+".
It's what makes the light tricky - it's off until it's on, so you don't realise it even exists until the person behind you gives you a polite bip. If all intersections had them it wouldn't be an issue, but I think that within a 100km radius if here there's only 10 or so - and not where you'd expect them. Or even where they're most needed.
Here is an example. It you pan left until you see the traffic light pole next to the white shed you will see a single light with a red + . That shows oncoming traffic that the dark blue car has a red light.
Very interesting Simon, and excellent illustration and explanation !
great description - a new one on me
thanks
Simon - I too thought they were only red but in doing a bit of googling I found this video that illustrates that they come in green too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3qxN6U3b1s
Well I'll be.... I wonder how long it will be before I see one.
The red + are getting more common - a new one was installed just recently in a nearby village as part of their traffic calming. No intersection, just two traffic lights on a straight piece of road.
Both the red and green ones are most common in congested urban areas so I'm not surprised that you don't see many in your neck of the woods.
