Yes, in New Hampshire, you are generally allowed to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a posted sign specifically prohibits it. This rule remains consistent in 2025, with no major changes reported.
Key Requirements
- Complete Stop: You must come to a full stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection before turning right on red.
- Yielding: You must yield to all pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk and to other vehicles lawfully using the intersection.
- Prohibited Turns: If there is a sign stating “No Turn on Red” or similar, you are not allowed to make the turn.
- Red Arrow: A steady red arrow means you cannot turn right unless a sign at the intersection allows it.
Special Situations
- Pedestrian Signals: If there is a pedestrian signal indicating “Walk,” you must yield to pedestrians crossing, even if you are otherwise allowed to turn.
- Left Turn on Red: Left turns on red are not allowed in New Hampshire unless a sign specifically permits it.
Signal Requirements
You must signal your intention to turn for at least the last 100 feet before the intersection.
2025 Legislative Update
There are no significant changes to the right turn on red rule for drivers in 2025. However, a new bill (HB 249) allows bicyclists to treat red lights as yield signs, meaning cyclists can proceed through a red light after yielding to all other traffic and pedestrians. This update does not affect the rules for motor vehicles.
Summary Table
| Situation | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Right turn on red | Yes | After full stop, unless posted sign prohibits |
| Right turn on red arrow | No | Unless sign specifically allows |
| Must yield to pedestrians/traffic | Yes | Always yield to those lawfully in intersection/crosswalk |
| Left turn on red | No | Unless sign specifically allows |
| New rule for bicyclists (2025) | Yes (for bikes only) | Bicyclists can treat red as yield after stopping and yielding |
In New Hampshire, you can turn right on red after stopping and yielding, unless a sign says otherwise. Always watch for pedestrians and other traffic, and never turn on a red arrow unless permitted by a posted sign. The 2025 update introduces new flexibility for bicyclists but does not change the rule for drivers.
Sources:
- https://law.justia.com/codes/new-hampshire/2023/title-xxi/chapter-265/section-265-10/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/newhampshire/comments/1begatt/whats_up_with_folks_not_turning_right_on_red/
- https://www.dmv.nh.gov/rules-and-laws
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red