Connecticut’s traffic rules regarding right turns on red have been in place since the late 1970s, allowing drivers to turn right at red lights unless prohibited by signs. However, there are no significant updates or changes to this rule in 2025. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the current state of the right turn on red rule in Connecticut:
Current Rule
- Right Turn on Red Allowed: In Connecticut, drivers are permitted to turn right on a red light unless a sign specifically prohibits it. This rule applies to vehicles in the rightmost lane, provided they stop before entering the intersection and yield to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully using the intersection.
- Prohibition Signs: Local authorities can install signs to prohibit right turns on red at specific intersections if deemed necessary for safety. These signs must be approved by the Office of the State Traffic Administration.
- Safety Considerations: While right turns on red are generally allowed, there is a growing trend nationwide to restrict or ban this practice in response to rising pedestrian fatalities. However, Connecticut has not implemented a statewide ban as of 2025.
National Trends and Debates
- Rising Pedestrian Fatalities: Across the U.S., there has been an increase in pedestrian deaths, prompting some cities to reconsider allowing right turns on red. Cities like San Francisco and Cambridge have limited or banned this maneuver to enhance pedestrian safety.
- Arguments Against Bans: Some argue that banning right turns on red does not significantly reduce accidents and may be part of a broader effort to discourage car use. They point to federal data showing few pedestrian deaths directly attributed to right turns on red.
Connecticut’s Approach
- Standardization and Safety: Connecticut’s approach emphasizes standardization and safety. The state requires approval from the Office of the State Traffic Administration for any new traffic control signals, ensuring that changes are made with safety in mind.
- Local Discretion: While there is no statewide ban on right turns on red, local authorities have the discretion to restrict this practice at specific intersections if safety concerns warrant it. This allows for flexibility based on local conditions.
Future Considerations
- Potential for Change: Although there are no current plans to change the right turn on red rule in Connecticut, future legislation could address this issue if safety concerns escalate or public opinion shifts significantly.
- Balancing Safety and Convenience: Any changes to traffic rules must balance the need for safety with the convenience and efficiency of traffic flow. This balance is crucial in managing urban and suburban traffic effectively.
Connecticut’s right turn on red rule remains unchanged in 2025, with local discretion to restrict it where necessary. As national debates about pedestrian safety continue, Connecticut may reassess its policies in the future, but for now, the current rules remain in place.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
[2] https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-14/chapter-249/section-14-299/
[3] https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/opm/bud-division/2025-leg-proposals/dot—partial-2025-01-07.pdf?rev=bf71a70d506d47ecac5672095423b663
[4] https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/2011/title14/chap249/Sec14-299.html
[5] https://www.ctpublic.org/2024-06-10/more-cities-are-banning-right-turns-on-red-in-response-to-rising-pedestrian-deaths
