The rules governing right turns on red lights in Arizona have undergone significant changes in recent years, leading to some confusion among drivers.
As of January 1, 2024, a new law has altered the long-standing practice of making right turns on red. Here’s what you need to know about the updated regulations and how they impact drivers across the state.
What Changed in 2024?
Historically, Arizona allowed drivers to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, provided there was no sign explicitly prohibiting it. This rule was designed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. However, concerns about safety—particularly for pedestrians and cyclists—prompted the Arizona legislature to revise this policy.
Under the new law that went into effect on January 1, 2024:
- Right turns on red are prohibited at all intersections unless a sign specifically permits them.
- Exceptions include intersections with flashing yellow arrows or right turns onto one-way streets, where such movements remain legal unless otherwise restricted by signage.
This change aims to reduce accidents caused by drivers failing to yield properly or misjudging pedestrian and cyclist movements.
Why Was the Rule Changed?
The decision to restrict right turns on red was driven by safety concerns:
- A 2019 study by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) found that intersections allowing right turns on red had higher rates of pedestrian and cyclist crashes compared to those without this option1.
- Lawmakers believed that restricting these turns would enhance safety for vulnerable road users while reducing risky driving behaviors.
Current Law: What Drivers Need to Know
The updated law is straightforward but requires drivers to adjust their habits:
- No Right Turn Without Specific Permission: Unless a sign explicitly states that a right turn on red is allowed, it is now prohibited at all intersections.
- Yielding Requirements: At intersections where right turns on red are permitted, drivers must still come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles before proceeding.
- Exceptions:
- Right turns onto one-way streets are still allowed unless restricted by signage.
- Flashing yellow arrows continue to permit right turns after yielding.
Public Reaction and Clarifications
The change has sparked debate among drivers and policymakers:
- Some argue that the restriction unnecessarily slows traffic and creates inconvenience for motorists.
- Others support the measure as a necessary step toward improving pedestrian and cyclist safety.
Adding to the confusion, misinformation circulated online claimed that all right turns on red were banned outright. However, ADOT clarified that the rule only applies where signs do not permit such turns.
Future Developments
Efforts are underway in Arizona’s legislature to refine these rules further. Recent proposals aim to standardize how cities decide when to prohibit right turns on red. For example:
- Local governments may soon be required to conduct engineering studies before installing “No Turn on Red” signs at intersections.
- These studies would ensure restrictions are based on safety concerns rather than arbitrary decisions.
Tips for Drivers
To stay compliant with the updated law:
- Always check for signage at intersections before turning right on red.
- Yield fully to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles when making permitted right turns.
- Stay informed about local changes or exceptions in your city or county.
Arizona’s updated rules regarding right turns on red reflect a growing emphasis on road safety for all users. While the changes may require adjustments from drivers accustomed to more permissive practices, they aim to reduce accidents and protect vulnerable road users. By understanding and following these new regulations, Arizona motorists can contribute to safer streets statewide.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://arizonapoliticsnewsletter.substack.com/p/no-right-turn-on-red-in-az
[2] https://kjzz.org/content/1876469/legislature-approves-tighter-rules-when-city-can-prohibit-right-turns-red-lights
[3] https://law.justia.com/codes/arizona/title-28/section-28-645/
[4] https://www.kawc.org/news/2024-04-08/arizona-lawmakers-want-to-you-to-be-able-to-turn-right-at-a-red-light
[5] https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/misinformation-online-leads-to-confusion-about-right-turn-on-red-law
