When Can You Make A Left Turn On Red In New York State?

Many years ago when New York State allowed motorists to make a right turn on red when it was safe to do so, made almost everyone happy. It certainly made me happy. I get a bit impatient at stoplights.

Most people understand the concept and make the right turn on red when there are no oncoming vehicles, but I continue to encounter motorists who will just not budge until the light turns green. Yes, they have that option, but I'm an impatient driver and I want to get moving.

Once in a while, for whatever crazy reason, I have seen motorists take a left on red. It just boggles the mind. I guess their patience is much less than mine, and I have mild road rage from time to time if that's a thing.

But, did you know that in New York State, there are some instances where you can make a left on red? According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, it's legal to make a left turn on red if you are turning from a one-way road into another one-way road. The NYS DMV further states that you "first must come to a full stop and yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians." I was not aware of this, and I'm not aware of any roads in our area that you are able to take advantage of this.

Back to the right on red option, just as I have, I imagine you have experienced some stoplights that are red far too long. There are a few I have encountered in the Triple Cities area that I swear is in the green cycle for 10 seconds or under.

A couple that comes to mind includes the intersection of Court and Water Street Binghamton from the Court Street side, Allen and Main Streets Binghamton from the Allen Street side. The latter, I believe lasts about 5 seconds. I just don't understand the logic behind such a short signal cycle.
via New York State Department Of Motor Vehicles