Despite widespread online rumors and misinformation, Arizona law in 2025 continues to allow drivers to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop—unless a posted sign prohibits it. This long-standing rule has not changed in 2025, and there is no statewide ban on right turns on red.
What the Law Says
- You may turn right on red after stopping completely and yielding to pedestrians and all other traffic that has the right of way.
- A right turn on red is prohibited only if there is a posted sign at the intersection stating “No Turn on Red” or similar wording.
- You must always yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic before turning.
Legal Reference
Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-645 states:
“The driver of a vehicle that is stopped in obedience to a red signal … may make a right turn but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic proceeding as directed by the signal. A right turn may be prohibited against a red signal at any intersection if a sign prohibiting the turn is erected at the intersection.”
2025 Legislative Developments: Tighter Rules for Local Restrictions
In 2025, the Arizona Legislature passed a bill tightening the requirements for when cities or counties can prohibit right turns on red. Local governments now must have an engineer determine that a right turn on red is unsafe before installing signs banning the maneuver. This means:
- Cities cannot arbitrarily prohibit right turns on red; there must be a documented safety reason, such as poor visibility, high pedestrian traffic, or a history of crashes at the intersection.
- Signs prohibiting right turns on red must be based on an engineering study.
This legislation is designed to prevent unnecessary restrictions and ensure that right turn prohibitions are only implemented where truly warranted for public safety.
Common Myths and Misinformation
Some online sources have falsely claimed that as of January 1, 2024, Arizona banned all right turns on red unless a sign specifically allows them. This is incorrect—the law remains as it has been for years: right turns on red are allowed unless a sign prohibits them.
How to Safely Execute a Right Turn on Red
- Come to a Complete Stop: Stop at the marked stop line, before the crosswalk, or at the intersection entrance.
- Check for Signs: Look for any “No Turn on Red” signs.
- Yield: Give right of way to pedestrians and all cross traffic.
- Proceed with Caution: Only turn when it is safe.
Summary Table: Right Turn on Red in Arizona (2025)
| Condition | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| No sign prohibiting right on red | Yes, after stop/yield |
| “No Turn on Red” sign posted | No |
| Must yield to pedestrians/traffic | Yes |
| Arbitrary city bans allowed | No, must be justified |
In Arizona, you can still turn right on red after stopping and yielding, unless a sign specifically prohibits it. New rules in 2025 require cities to justify any bans on right turns on red with an engineering study, making arbitrary restrictions less likely. Always check for signs and prioritize safety at every intersection.
Sources:
- https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/misinformation-online-leads-to-confusion-about-right-turn-on-red-law
- https://kjzz.org/content/1876469/legislature-approves-tighter-rules-when-city-can-prohibit-right-turns-red-lights
- https://azdot.gov/sites/default/files/2019/05/tgp0626-2015-06.pdf
- https://law.justia.com/codes/arizona/title-28/section-28-645/
- https://www.kawc.org/news/2024-04-08/arizona-lawmakers-want-to-you-to-be-able-to-turn-right-at-a-red-light