Arizona Driver Alert: How to Make a Right Turn at a Red Light After the Most Recent Update

As of January 30, 2025, there have been no major modifications to the regulation in Arizona that allows drivers to turn right at a red light. The law that has been in effect since 1953, which allows drivers to turn right at a red light, is still in place, but it has been clarified and there is now a greater emphasis on safety.

The current rule regarding right turns on red light

The Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS 28-645) explicitly say the following governing right turns at red lights:

• After coming to a complete stop, drivers are allowed to make a right turn at a red signal.
• Drivers must give way to pedestrians and other vehicles that are moving according to the traffic signal before they turn.
• At certain crossroads, a sign may be put up to prevent right turns on red.

Things to Keep in Mind for Safety

Even if the law permits right turns on red, safety should always come first:

• Complete Stop: Always come to a complete stop before making a turn.
• Yield to Others: Be aware of pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles that have the right-of-way.
• Look for signs: At certain crossroads, keep an eye out for signs that say you cannot turn right on red

Recent Conversations and Explanations

In 2024, there were some disputes and clarifications regarding the rule that allows a right turn on red:

• Legislative Efforts: Arizona lawmakers explored legislation protecting the right to turn right on red, requiring engineering rationale for additional limits.
• Concerns about misinformation: There were false claims that right turns on red were now forbidden, but officials quickly proved that this was not true

Enforcement and Consequence

If you do not follow the regulation about turning right on red, you could be charged with a traffic violation. Drivers need to keep in mind that:

• If you turn right on red where it is not allowed, you may be fined.
• If you cause an accident while making an unsafe right turn on red, you may face more serious consequences

Final Thoughts

Drivers in Arizona will still be able to turn right at red lights in 2025, as long as they follow all safety protocols and observe any restrictions that are imposed. When driving through crossroads, it is important to be aware of the traffic rules in your area and to always prioritize safety.