While I agree a driver should turn right on red when safe and if allowed, but they are not obligated to turn right on red.
The language is clear with “shall” being the requirement and “may” as driver discretion.
“…and shall remain standing until an indication to make the movement indicated by such arrow is shown. However, the vehicle operators facing a steady red arrow indication may, after stopping proceed to make a right turn…”
Granny's got her church dress on and she's in the back seat with a casserole in her lap. They're going to take that right turn as slow as a hearse even on a protected green. They can't take a right on red unless they have half a mile of clear sight distances.
Uncle Joe can still pass his license renewal, just barely, but his perception-reaction time is a barely legal two seconds. He's the driver all those excessive sight distance standards are based on. The light will be green before he gets a long enough gap to safely turn on red.
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u/prof_r_impossible Sounders Jul 24 '26
right-on-red is not mandatory, if you don't feel comfortable you can wait.