As of 2025, Colorado law still allows drivers to make a right turn on red after coming to a complete stop, unless a posted sign specifically prohibits it. This rule has been in place since the mid-1970s and is consistent with most states across the U.S. To legally make a right turn on red in Colorado, you must:
- Come to a complete stop before the crosswalk or stop line.
- Yield to all pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
- Only proceed when the way is clear and it is safe to do so.
Local Changes: City-Level Bans and Recommendations
While the right turn on red remains legal statewide, a growing number of Colorado cities-most notably Denver-are considering or implementing bans on this maneuver, especially in high-traffic or pedestrian-heavy zones.
Denver’s Vision Zero plan, for example, calls for ending right turns on red in areas like downtown, Colfax, and the Lincoln and Broadway corridors. A city committee has recommended banning all turns on red, and it is up to city leadership to decide whether to implement this recommendation.
If a city or intersection has banned right turns on red, there will be clear signage posted. Drivers are required to obey these local restrictions.
Why the Change? Safety and Pedestrian Concerns
The push to restrict or ban right turns on red stems from safety concerns. Studies have found that allowing right turns on red can increase crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists, sometimes by as much as 40–107%.
The main risk is that drivers, while looking left for oncoming vehicles, may fail to notice pedestrians or cyclists approaching from the right.
Pedestrian deaths have risen sharply across the country, prompting cities to reconsider the rule as part of broader efforts to improve road safety.
Key Points for Drivers in 2025
- Right turn on red is legal statewide in Colorado-unless a sign says otherwise.
- You are never required to turn right on red; it is always optional. If you feel it is unsafe, you may wait for the green light.
- Local bans may apply in certain cities or intersections, especially in Denver and other urban areas. Always watch for posted signs.
- You must always yield to pedestrians and cyclists when turning right on red.
- A red arrow means no right turn on red; you must wait for a green arrow or signal.
Summary Table: Right Turn on Red in Colorado (2025)
| Rule | Statewide Law | Local Variation Possible? |
|---|---|---|
| Right turn on red allowed? | Yes, after stop and yield | Yes, if signs posted |
| Required to turn right on red? | No | No |
| Yield to pedestrians/cyclists? | Yes | Yes |
| Red arrow = no right turn on red | Yes | Yes |
| City/county bans possible? | No statewide ban, but local bans possible | Yes |
Right turn on red remains legal across Colorado in 2025 unless specifically prohibited by signage, but local bans-especially in Denver-are increasing in response to safety concerns. Always come to a full stop, yield to all pedestrians and traffic, and check for posted signs before turning right on red.
Sources:
- https://www.denver7.com/growing-number-of-cities-to-ban-right-turns-on-red-for-vehicles
- https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/right-turns-red-face-uncertain-future-denver/
- https://www.aspenpublicradio.org/government/2024-12-24/new-laws-going-into-effect-in-colorado-on-january-1-2025
- https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/at-red-light-is-it-wrong-to-not-go-right/