Caught in the Turn: What's the Deal with Calgary's Left Turn Rules?

Calgary drivers, ever feel like you need a rulebook just for making a left turn? You’re not alone. A recent incident on October 31, 2025, during Calgary’s notorious rush hour, highlighted the confusion many Calgarians face daily.

A local driver, attempting a left turn on a solid green light, was pulled over by the Calgary Police Service and warned for "running a red light" after completing their turn as the signal changed. This warning contradicts Alberta transportation regulations, which explicitly state a vehicle can enter an intersection on a green light to make a left turn, yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Furthermore, a single vehicle is permitted to wait safely within the intersection and complete the turn even if the light turns yellow or red. Drivers behind this waiting vehicle, however, should not enter the intersection.

This scenario resonates with countless commuters navigating Calgary's bustling roads, especially with large vehicles like tractor-trailers adding to the complexity. The City of Calgary experiences significant traffic congestion during peak hours, typically 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 4:00–6:00 p.m., on major routes like Deerfoot Trail, Crowchild Trail, and Glenmore Trail. Intersections are frequent sites for collisions due to high traffic volume, poor visibility, and complex designs, with areas like Deerfoot Trail and McKnight Boulevard being notoriously challenging. The Calgary Police Service's Traffic Safety Team focuses on enforcing provincial traffic laws and promoting safe driving habits, often deploying automated enforcement in high-collision locations.

The key takeaway? For drivers initiating a left turn, entering the intersection on a green light and waiting for a safe opportunity to complete the turn is permitted. Just ensure you're the only one in the intersection when the light changes.