New Mexico allows drivers to make a right turn on red after coming to a complete stop, unless there is a sign specifically prohibiting the maneuver. Here’s a breakdown of the current (2025) rule and what you need to know:
Right Turn on Red: New Mexico’s 2025 Rule
- Permitted After Stop: Drivers facing a steady red signal must come to a complete stop before the crosswalk or intersection. After stopping, you may turn right, but only when it is safe to do so and after yielding to all pedestrians and vehicles lawfully in or approaching the intersection.
- Yielding Requirement: You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in adjacent crosswalks and to any other traffic in the intersection.
- Signage Exception: If there is a posted sign at the intersection stating “No Turn on Red,” then right turns on red are prohibited at that location.
- Left Turn on Red: New Mexico also allows a left turn on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street after stopping, unless prohibited by signage.
- Proper Turning Position: When making a right turn, you must approach and execute the turn as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
Summary Table: Right Turn on Red in New Mexico (2025)
| Condition | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| After complete stop, no sign prohibiting | Yes |
| “No Turn on Red” sign posted | No |
| Must yield to pedestrians/other vehicles | Yes |
| Left turn on red (one-way to one-way) | Yes, after stop |
Key Takeaways
- Right turn on red is generally allowed statewide, unless a sign prohibits it.
- Always come to a full stop and yield to pedestrians and cross-traffic before turning.
- Local authorities can prohibit right turns on red at specific intersections with proper signage.
By following these rules, New Mexico drivers can safely and legally make right turns on red in 2025.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
- https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/2018/chapter-66/article-7/section-66-7-105/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/2018/chapter-66/article-7/section-66-7-322/
- https://codes.findlaw.com/nm/chapter-66-motor-vehicles/nm-st-sect-66-7-105/