You were right, I was wrong.
My girl and I had a difference of opinion as to the proper interpretation of Minnesota statute Section 169.06 Subd. 5. (3) (i) (B). It explicitly states that you can turn left from a one-way to another one-way on red. The MN driver's manual concurs.
Vehicular traffic facing a circular red signal alone must stop at a clearly marked stop line but, if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown, except as follows: ... (B) the driver of a vehicle on a one-way street intersecting another one-way street on which traffic moves to the left shall stop in obedience to a red or stop signal and may then make a left turn into the one-way street, unless an official sign has been erected prohibiting the movement, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully proceeding as directed by the signal at that intersection.
It does not say that you cannot turn left on red from a two-way onto a one-way. I'm thinking that you can, but she says you can't. I haven't turned up a definitive answer, so I have officially conceded.
(Which means that I will not make this "illegal" left turn while she's in the car with me.) (Okay, she got me. Making this turn at all implies that I've not conceded. So I pinky swore that I wouldn't make this left turn ever. Really. Seriously.)
We made a bet, and I lost, so I'm required to post something in which I publicly state that she is the Queen of Minnesota Driving Statutes, and I am her peon.
She is the Queen of Minnesota Driving Statutes, and I am her peon.
So there.
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I hate it when I'm not correct! You handled this so gracefully.
I can't believe they let you on the roads! :-P
Unfortunately, I think the key phrase in the statute is "except as follows:" so unless your particular scenario is listed as an exception to the red light rule, it would be illegal.
I feel for ya... I hate being wrong too. But good on ya for honoring the bet. All hail the Queen!
MJ is right. The statute clearly states that that would be the only allowed exception.
Left from one-way to one-way makes sense because it's like a right-on-red - you don't cross anyone's path except the traffic you're joining.
But let me get this straight, you wanted to turn left on red from a two-way street (on which there exists the potential for oncoming traffic) into a one-way street? I'm assuming you now see why this might be against the law (and why your girl is right)? Remind me to drive (always) when you come visit. :)
Sucker.
Yeah, you can't take a left on red from a two-way. Sorry. However, the part from that statute that pisses me off the most is that Motorcycles are allowed to run a red light if they believe that the weight sensor on the intersection is broken because it is taking too long. That's BS.
Derek might feel differently if he'd ever sat waiting for a green arrow (say at Hennepin and Vineland, next to the Walker) for 15 minutes waiting for a green arrow that never comes, even after 4-5 full cycles of the lights, because his motorcycle doesn't weigh enough to trip the sensors.
you don't cross anyone's path except the traffic you're joining
But here's the thing: Oncoming traffic is stopped by the red light. Although I suppose they could be turning right onto the one-way on red.
The Queen will be pleased that you all concur.
For the record, you can *absolutely positively* do this in Michigan. Thinking logistically, when turning "right on red" you only have to worry about the traffic coming through the intersection on your left and you do not have to cross traffic. Thinking about turning left on a one way means the opposing stopped traffic is stopped (they could turn right on red if they desired) and all you have to do is watch for the traffic to your right. Again, no crossing of traffic. If for some reason you were turning left and the opposing traffic was turning right, you should stay in your own lane (assuming there are multiple lanes of traffic -- in a single lane of traffic, you would yield to the opposing right turner). I can't wait to pick this fight with your girl on Saturday >:-) You nay sayers need a diagram. Also, for the record, if I'm behind you at said red light and you are not turning, I will lay on my horn b/c we all have places to be! This happens all the time in A2 b/c of all the one ways.
OMG, SEE?!?!
I'm still a peon in Minnesota, but I'm the Queen in Michigan!
I hate to say it but I think your girl is right.
@Hank's Daddy - I see your diagram and raise you a "that still makes no sense."
Michiganders - some of the "best" drivers on earth. :)
Michiganders - some of the "best" drivers on earth. :)
Because Ohio is sooooo much better. :P