Can I turn right on red with the green arrow?
Yes — but only after a full stop. If a green arrow sign (black arrow on green) hangs next to the red light, you may turn right despite the red. Condition: you must first stop completely (as at a stop sign) and make sure you don't endanger or obstruct pedestrians, cyclists or cross traffic. Only then may you carefully turn. Don't confuse it with the lit green arrow signal in the traffic light — with that you may go without stopping and have right of way.
📋 The rules
- The green arrow sign allows turning right on red
- Only after a full stop at the stop line
- Give priority to pedestrians, cyclists and cross traffic
- No endangering or obstructing — otherwise no turning
- Different signal: lit green arrow in the light = free passage without stopping
🔓 Exceptions
- Some green arrows apply only to cyclists (a separate, smaller sign)
- With a pedestrian green in the cross traffic you must wait until clear
- Without the sign, red applies fully — no turning
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If you turn without stopping, it costs €70 and 1 point. With endangerment it's €100 and 1 point, in a crash €120 and 1 point. Turning right on red without a green arrow is a normal red-light offence — far more expensive (from €90 and a point, with a 'qualified' red also a driving ban).
📎 Official sources
- § 37 StVO · Traffic-light signals and the green arrow →
- ADAC · Green arrow: rules for turning right →
- Bußgeldkatalog · Green arrow →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I turn right on red with the green arrow?
Yes, if the green arrow sign hangs next to the red light. But you must first stop completely and may only turn if you endanger or obstruct no pedestrians, cyclists or cross traffic.
Do I really have to stop?
Yes, always. The green arrow works like a stop sign: stop fully, look, then turn carefully. Rolling straight through is an offence — even if no one is coming.
What does a green-arrow offence cost?
Without stopping €70 and a point, with endangerment €100 and a point, in a crash €120 and a point. Cheaper than a normal red-light offence, but still with a point on record.
What's the difference from the green arrow signal in the light?
The lit green arrow signal in the traffic light gives free passage for that direction — without stopping or waiting. The green arrow sign next to the red light always requires a full stop first.
Does the green arrow apply to cyclists?
There's a separate, smaller green arrow just for cyclists. The normal green arrow applies to all turning right, including cyclists on the carriageway — always after a full stop and with care.
🔎 Common searches
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