The right turn on red (RTOR) rule is a critical aspect of Kentucky’s traffic laws, designed to balance traffic flow efficiency with safety for all road users. As of 2025, Kentucky continues to uphold its established RTOR regulations, with some clarifications and ongoing emphasis on safety and compliance.
Legal Foundation of Right Turn on Red in Kentucky
Kentucky law permits drivers to make a right turn at a red light under specific conditions. The foundational statute, Kentucky Revised Statutes § 189.338, outlines the following key requirements for executing a right turn on red:
- Complete Stop Required: Before making a right turn on red, the driver must come to a complete stop at the clearly marked stop line, or if none, before entering the crosswalk or intersection.
- Yielding Right-of-Way: After stopping, the driver must yield to all pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or crosswalk and to other vehicles lawfully using the intersection.
- Signage Restrictions: If there is a posted sign stating “No Turn on Red,” the driver is strictly prohibited from making a right turn until the signal turns green.
- Safety First: The turn can only be made when it is safe to do so, ensuring no immediate hazard to oncoming traffic or pedestrians
Special Provisions and Updates
- Left Turn on Red (One-Way to One-Way): Kentucky allows a left turn on red from the left lane of a one-way street onto another one-way street, provided there is no sign prohibiting such movement and all other RTOR requirements are met.
- Multiple Turn Lanes: If there are two right or left turn lanes, a turn on red may be made from either lane unless a regulatory sign specifically prohibits it.
- Local Authority: Cities, counties, and the Department of Highways may prohibit right or left turns on red at specific intersections by erecting official signage.
Practical Steps for Drivers
To legally and safely execute a right turn on red in Kentucky:
- Stop Completely: Do not roll through the intersection. Come to a full stop at the designated line or before entering the intersection.
- Check for Prohibitive Signs: Look for any “No Turn on Red” signs. If present, wait for a green signal.
- Yield to Pedestrians and Traffic: Scan for pedestrians in the crosswalk and vehicles with the right-of-way, including those turning left from the opposite direction.
- Proceed When Safe: Only turn when your path is clear and it is safe to do so.
Common Mistakes and Liability
- Failure to Stop: Gliding through a red light without stopping is illegal and can result in liability if an accident occurs.
- Ignoring Signs: Turning right on red where prohibited by signage is a traffic violation and increases accident risk.
- Not Yielding: Failing to yield to pedestrians or oncoming vehicles is a frequent cause of intersection collisions and will likely result in the turning driver being found at fault.
Safety Considerations and Enforcement
The RTOR rule is intended to improve traffic flow but requires heightened awareness. Kentucky has seen intersection accidents increase due to drivers failing to yield or check for hazards before turning on red. Enforcement focuses on ensuring drivers:
- Come to a complete stop
- Obey posted signs
- Yield appropriately
Additionally, vehicles must use headlights when required by law (at night or in fog), as failure to do so can affect liability in RTOR-related accidents.
Summary Table: Kentucky Right Turn on Red Rule (2025)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Complete Stop | Mandatory before turning |
| Yield to Pedestrians/Vehicles | Required; must not interfere with lawful intersection users |
| Prohibitive Signage | “No Turn on Red” signs override general rule |
| Left Turn on Red | Allowed only from one-way to one-way, unless prohibited by sign |
| Multiple Turn Lanes | Permitted unless signage prohibits |
| Local Authority | Cities/counties can ban RTOR at specific intersections with signage |
| Safety Emphasis | Must not proceed unless safe; increased enforcement on failure to yield/stop |
The right turn on red rule in Kentucky remains largely unchanged for 2025, with continued emphasis on complete stops, yielding, and compliance with posted signage. Drivers should remain vigilant, prioritize safety, and be aware of local variations or prohibitions at specific intersections. Proper adherence to these rules not only ensures legal compliance but also protects all road users from preventable accidents.
Sources:
- https://codes.findlaw.com/ky/title-xvi-motor-vehicles/ky-rev-st-sect-189-338/
- https://www.dickmanlawoffice.com/car-accidents/determining-responsibility-in-right-turn-on-red-car-accidents/
- https://driversed.com/driving-information/signs-signals-and-markings/traffic-signals/
- https://wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Drivers-Manual-5-27-2021-Update.pdf
