Anyone who has driven in Minneapolis has probably seen this showdown: one driver has a green arrow for a protected left turn while another, sitting at a solid red, tries to sneak a right turn and cuts them off. A Drive reader in the Twin Cities told the Star Tribune that these right-on-red moves sometimes jump in front of left-turning drivers, creating confusion and some very tense braking. Local experts say the safe and legal move in that situation is simple: yield.
As reported by the Star Tribune, AAA Minneapolis supervisor Matt Mosely says motorists with a green arrow “always have the right of way,” and anyone facing a red light who plans to turn right must yield to other road users before rolling ahead. Driving instructor Pete Hosmer told the paper that, in theory, a right turn on red could move at the same time as a protected left if every driver turned into the correct lane. In practice, that ideal world rarely shows up in rush hour. The Drive column includes a diagram to show how the moves can line up when everyone is precise, and how wide turns or last-second lane changes quickly blow up that fragile truce.
What Minnesota Law Says
Under Minnesota Statutes §169.06, a driver may make a right turn on red after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign says otherwise. The same law requires drivers to “yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully proceeding as directed by the signal at that intersection.” That language puts traffic moving on a green arrow, including protected left turns, firmly in the “lawfully proceeding” category. In plain terms, even if your light turns green and you are itching to go, you still have to yield to vehicles already committed to the intersection.
How To Avoid A Crash Or A Ticket
The simplest way to stay out of trouble is to slow the whole moment down. Come to a complete stop, then scan for pedestrians and vehicles that are already in or clearly entering the intersection, especially anyone turning left on a green arrow. Wait until those protected-left drivers finish their turn before you head into your right turn on red.
As the Star Tribune Drive column notes, simultaneous turns only work when everyone sticks perfectly to their lane. That is a big assumption in real-world traffic, so giving left-turners extra space is the safer bet. If a particular intersection regularly feels like a trap for these conflicts, the article suggests contacting your city and asking for clearer lane markings or a dedicated right-turn signal to calm things down.
Another Factor: Nicollet Ave. Bridge Closure
There is another wrinkle coming for South Minneapolis traffic patterns. The historic Nicollet Avenue bridge over Minnehaha Creek (Bridge 90591) will close starting March 2, 2026, for a major rehabilitation expected to last about 18 months, according to the City of Minneapolis. The city says the project will narrow the span by about 3 feet and add 6-foot protected bike lanes and 8-foot sidewalks, while still keeping two traffic lanes.
The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board also notes that a section of Minnehaha Parkway under the bridge is closed through fall 2027 and lists official detours for both vehicles and trail users. So as drivers reroute around the project, those right-on-red moments at nearby intersections are likely to feel even more crowded, making that simple rule to yield on red all the more important.
