Indiana’s traffic laws regarding right turns on red lights have been the subject of significant debate and local policy changes in recent years, particularly in Indianapolis. As of 2025, understanding the current rules and recent developments is essential for all drivers in the state.
General Statewide Rule
Indiana law generally permits drivers to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless there is a posted sign prohibiting the maneuver.
This is codified in Indiana Code 9-21-3-7(3)(B), which states that a driver facing a steady red signal may, after stopping, enter the intersection to make a right turn, provided it is safe and there are no signs indicating otherwise. The law also allows for left turns on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street, again after a complete stop and if not otherwise prohibited.
Local Authority and Exceptions
While the statewide rule is permissive, Indiana law grants local governments the authority to restrict right turns on red at specific intersections by posting appropriate signage. This means that cities and counties can, and sometimes do, implement stricter rules in areas with high pedestrian traffic or accident rates.
Indianapolis: A Case Study in Local Regulation
In response to a sharp increase in pedestrian fatalities—47 deaths in 2023 alone—Indianapolis city officials have taken steps to restrict right turns on red in the downtown core. A multi-year study found that nearly 57% of pedestrian crashes in the area were caused by vehicles failing to yield while turning at red lights.
As a result, the Indianapolis City-County Council passed measures to ban right turns on red at approximately 97 downtown intersections, with enforcement beginning in 2023.
The city’s approach is part of a broader push for pedestrian safety, including the adoption of “Vision Zero” policies aimed at eliminating traffic deaths. Enforcement data shows that while only a modest number of tickets have been issued, the primary goal is to improve safety rather than increase citations.
State Legislative Pushback
These local restrictions have not gone unchallenged. Some state lawmakers, notably Senator Aaron Freeman, have introduced bills to reverse Indianapolis’s right-turn-on-red ban and prevent other Indiana cities from enacting similar measures. Freeman and other opponents argue that such bans increase congestion and inconvenience drivers, while supporters cite the clear safety benefits for pedestrians and cyclists.
In 2024, a legislative compromise was reached: Indianapolis agreed not to install any additional no-turn-on-red signs until July 2025, effectively pausing further expansion of the ban for now. However, the existing restrictions at the designated intersections remain in effect.
Key Points for Drivers in 2025
- Statewide: You may turn right on red after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it.
- Indianapolis Downtown: Right turns on red are banned at specific intersections, clearly marked with signage. These restrictions are actively enforced, and more intersections may be added after July 2025.
- Other Cities: Local governments retain the authority to restrict right turns on red at specific locations, so always watch for posted signs.
- Safety First: Even where right turns on red are allowed, drivers must yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic before proceeding.
Comparison Table: Right Turn on Red in Indiana (2025)
| Area | Right Turn on Red Allowed? | Exceptions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide (General) | Yes | Unless posted otherwise |
| Indianapolis (Downtown) | No (at marked intersections) | Ban at ~97 intersections; more may be added post-2025 |
| Other Indiana Cities | Yes | Unless local signage prohibits |
The right turn on red rule in Indiana remains generally permissive, but local exceptions—especially in Indianapolis—reflect a growing emphasis on pedestrian safety. Drivers should remain vigilant for posted signs and stay informed about ongoing legislative changes, particularly as Indianapolis may expand its restrictions after July 2025. Always prioritize safety: stop fully, yield to pedestrians, and proceed only when it is safe and legal to do so.
Sources:
- https://www.planetizen.com/news/2024/01/126988-indianapolis-right-turn-red-ban-faces-challenge
- https://www.indyjustice.com/blog/criminal-defense/turn-right-on-red-in-indiana/
- https://mirrorindy.org/indianapolis-no-turn-on-red-enforcement/
- https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/no-right-turn-on-red-proposals-lose-bipartisan-support
- https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-9/article-21/chapter-8/section-9-21-8-21/
