Navigating intersections safely and legally is essential for Idaho drivers. The “right turn on red” rule is a common point of confusion, especially as laws evolve. Here’s an up-to-date guide on what Idaho law says about right turns at red lights as of 2025.
Right Turn on Red: Legal Status
- Right turns on red are legal in Idaho, unless a sign is posted prohibiting the maneuver. This means that after coming to a complete stop at the marked stop line (or before entering the crosswalk or intersection if no line is present), a driver may turn right at a red light, provided the way is clear and it is safe to do so.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk and to any other traffic using the intersection before making the turn.
Left Turn on Red
- Left turns on red are also permitted in Idaho when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and yielding to other traffic and pedestrians.
- Red Arrow Exception: If the red signal is a red arrow, you must remain stopped and cannot make the turn until a green indication appears.
When Right Turn on Red Is Not Allowed
- Prohibitive Signs: If there is a posted sign stating “No Turn on Red,” you must obey it and wait for a green light before turning.
- Red Arrow Signals: A steady red arrow means no turn is allowed in the direction of the arrow until the signal changes.
Special Rules for Cyclists
- Idaho’s “Stop as Yield” Law: Cyclists may treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs. After stopping and yielding to all other traffic and pedestrians, a cyclist may proceed through the red light or make a right turn with caution.
Quick Reference Table
| Situation | Is Right Turn on Red Allowed? |
|---|---|
| No sign prohibiting turn | Yes, after full stop and yielding |
| Sign says “No Turn on Red” | No |
| Red arrow signal | No |
| Turning left from one-way to one-way | Yes, after full stop and yielding |
| Cyclist at red light | Yes, after stop and yielding |
Key Takeaways
- Idaho allows right turns on red after a complete stop and yielding, unless otherwise posted.
- Left turns on red are allowed from one-way streets to one-way streets.
- Red arrows always prohibit turning until a green signal appears.
- Cyclists have special rules allowing greater flexibility at red lights.
Always check for posted signs and be sure to yield to pedestrians and cross traffic before making any turn on red in Idaho.
Sources:
- https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title49/t49ch8/sect49-802/
- https://www.tthlaw.com/d-c-passes-bill-banning-right-turns-at-red-lights-and-implements-the-idaho-stop-for-cyclists/
- https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title49/t49ch7/sect49-720/
- https://dcist.com/story/22/09/21/dc-moves-to-ban-right-turn-on-red-allow-idaho-stop-cyclists/