What must a driver do before making a left turn on a red light?

Before making a left turn on a red light, the driver must come to a full stop and ensure the way is clear. This is important for several reasons. First, stopping allows the driver to observe oncoming traffic and pedestrians who may be crossing the intersection or approaching from the left. It is essential to verify that there is no traffic coming from the opposite direction and that it is safe to proceed.

Additionally, ensuring the way is clear helps prevent accidents and reinforces safe driving practices. Many intersections have signs that indicate whether a left turn on red is allowed, so being aware of that, along with checking for traffic and pedestrians, is crucial for compliance with traffic laws. Activating the turn signal during this process is also a good practice, but the priority is to come to a complete stop and ensure the intersection is safe before turning.