As of early 2025, Michigan has a new law, Public Act 12, concerning right turns on red lights. This law standardizes right-turn-on-red permissions across the state, overriding most local bans unless the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) approves the ban following a safety review.
Key Provisions of Public Act 12 of 2025:
- Standardization: The law standardizes right-turn-on-red permissions across Michigan.
- Local Bans Overridden: Public Act 12 overrides most local bans on right turns at red lights. Cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor, which previously banned right turns on red at numerous intersections, have replaced prohibitive signage with MDOT-approved warnings where restrictions remain.
- Exceptions: Exceptions to the law apply near schools, high-pedestrian zones, and intersections with limited visibility.
- Requirements: Drivers must come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming traffic before turning.
- Increased Fines: Fines for failing to yield to pedestrians now start at $150, doubling in school zones.
Existing Michigan Law:Michigan law MCL 257.612 (1)(c)(ii) states that drivers facing a steady red signal may make a right turn from a one-way or two-way street into a two-way street or into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the right turn, unless a sign prohibits it. Drivers must stop before entering the crosswalk and yield to pedestrians and other traffic.
Contradictory Information:Some sources suggest that Michigan is considering banning right turns on red due to an increase in accidents involving cars and pedestrians. One Michigan city, Ann Arbor, has already banned “right on red” at nearly 50 high-traffic intersections. Washington, D.C., also approved a right-on-red ban that took effect in 2025. However, as of early 2025, Public Act 12 has expanded right-on-red permissions across Michigan.
Points to Remember:
- Always check for signs at intersections indicating whether right turns on red are permitted.
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic.
- Be aware of local traffic laws.
Sources:
- https://theoctant.org/michigan-drivers-the-shocking-fine-you-could-face-under-new-2025-right-turn-law/
- https://wkfr.com/michigan-turn-right-on-red/
- https://wcrz.com/should-michigan-consider-a-complete-right-turn-on-red-ban/
- https://www.monroecountylawyers.com/blog/2023/01/what-are-the-rules-regarding-making-a-turn-at-a-red-light-in-michigan/
