As of 2025, Oregon law continues to allow drivers to make a right turn at a red light, unless there is a posted sign explicitly prohibiting it.
This rule applies at most intersections statewide, and the Oregon Driver Manual for 2024-2025 confirms that unless a “No Turn on Red” sign is present, you may turn right after coming to a complete stop and yielding to all cross traffic and pedestrians.
Key Requirements for Right Turn on Red
- Complete Stop: You must come to a full stop before the stop line or crosswalk.
- Yielding: Yield to all vehicles and pedestrians with the right of way before turning.
- Signage: If a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted, you must wait for a green signal.
- Lane Use: At intersections with multiple right-turn lanes, you may turn right on red from any designated right-turn lane, provided your turn does not cross into another lane or violate posted restrictions.
Special Situations and Lane Guidance
- Multiple Right-Turn Lanes: Oregon law allows right turns on red from any lane specifically marked for right turns, not just the lane closest to the curb, as long as you follow the lane markings and do not cross into other lanes.
- Red Arrow: In Oregon, you are still allowed to turn right on a red arrow unless a sign prohibits it, unlike some other states that ban turns on red arrows.
- One-Way Streets: Oregon is among the few states that permit left turns on red from either a one-way or two-way street onto a one-way street, but this is separate from the right turn on red rule.
Recent Updates and Enforcement Trends (2025)
There have been no significant changes to the fundamental right turn on red rule in Oregon for 2025.
However, the Oregon Department of Transportation and local municipalities continue to install more “No Turn on Red” signs in areas with high pedestrian traffic or safety concerns. Always watch for new signage, especially in urban centers and near schools.
Common Misconceptions
- Only the Right-Most Lane? Contrary to popular belief, Oregon law does not restrict right turns on red to only the lane closest to the curb. If multiple right-turn lanes are present and marked, either lane may turn right on red unless prohibited by signage or intersection design.
- Officer Discretion: Some confusion persists due to inconsistent enforcement or misunderstanding of the rules by drivers and even some officers. If you receive a citation, check the intersection signage and lane markings, as your turn may have been legal if no prohibition was posted.
Summary Table: Oregon Right Turn on Red (2025)
| Scenario | Is Right Turn on Red Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No sign prohibiting turn | Yes | Must stop and yield first |
| “No Turn on Red” sign posted | No | Wait for green signal |
| Multiple right-turn lanes | Yes, from any marked right-turn lane | Follow lane markings, do not cross into other lanes |
| Red arrow signal | Yes | Unless a sign prohibits it |
| High pedestrian area with new signage | No, if sign is present | Watch for increased signage in urban areas |
In Oregon, you may turn right on red from any designated right-turn lane after stopping and yielding, unless a sign specifically prohibits it. This rule remains unchanged for 2025, but always check for new signage, especially in areas with increased pedestrian safety measures.
Sources:
- https://www.oregon.gov/odot/engineering/documents_trafficstandards/traffic-line-manual.pdf
- https://www.oregon.gov/odot/forms/dmv/37.pdf
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/legal-turn-red-light-oregon-210504616.html