As of 2025, Oregon law continues to permit right turns on red at most intersections, provided certain conditions are met. There have been no major changes to the core rule, but ongoing public discussion and enforcement nuances make it important for drivers to understand both the letter and spirit of the law.
Key Provisions of the Right Turn on Red Rule
- Permitted Actions:
Drivers may make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it. This applies to both standard intersections and those with multiple right-turn lanes, as long as each lane is clearly designated for right turns and the turn does not cross into another lane of traffic. - Required Precautions:
Before making the turn, drivers must:- Come to a complete stop at the red light.
- Yield to all other traffic and pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard.
- Obey any other traffic control devices or police officer instructions at the intersection.
- Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk, as required by ORS 811.028.
- Exceptions:
- If there is a sign stating “No Turn on Red,” right turns on red are not allowed.
- At intersections with red arrows, Oregon still allows right turns on red unless otherwise posted, unlike some other states.
- The rule also applies to bicyclists and motorcyclists, with additional provisions for intersections controlled by vehicle detection devices.
Multiple Right Turn Lanes
- Oregon law allows right turns on red from any lane clearly marked as a right-turn lane, not just the lane closest to the curb. At intersections with two right-turn lanes, each lane must turn into its corresponding lane on the cross street, and drivers must not cross over into another lane during the turn.
- If the intersection signage or lane markings indicate that both lanes may turn right, it is legal to do so after stopping and yielding, provided the turn is made safely and into the correct corresponding lane.
Recent Discussions and Enforcement
- Some confusion persists among drivers and even law enforcement regarding whether only the right-most lane can turn right on red. However, Oregon DMV and the statutory language confirm that as long as the lane is designated for right turns and no signs prohibit it, the maneuver is legal.
- Improper execution-such as failing to stop, failing to yield, or turning into the wrong lane-can result in a citation for “improperly proceeding at a stop light,” a Class B traffic violation.
Summary Table: Oregon Right Turn on Red (2025)
| Situation | Allowed? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Right turn on red, single right-turn lane | Yes | Full stop, yield, no “No Turn on Red” sign |
| Right turn on red, multiple right-turn lanes | Yes | Lane must be marked for right turn, turn into corresponding lane, full stop, yield |
| Right turn on red from a red arrow | Yes | Unless posted otherwise |
| Right turn on red where sign prohibits | No | Obey posted signage |
| Failing to yield/stop before turning | No | Citation may be issued |
Legal Reference
- The primary statute is ORS 811.360, which spells out the conditions and penalties for turning at a red light in Oregon.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
- https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_811.360
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/legal-turn-red-light-oregon-210504616.html
- https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/online_manual/study-section_3.aspx
- https://www.oregon.gov/odot/forms/dmv/37.pdf
