Tennessee’s right turn on red (RTOR) law is a foundational part of the state’s traffic regulations, designed to balance efficient traffic flow with pedestrian and driver safety. The 2025 update maintains the core principles of the rule but comes amid growing national scrutiny of RTOR due to pedestrian safety concerns. Here’s an in-depth look at how the rule works in Tennessee, its legal requirements, exceptions, and safety considerations.
What Is the Right Turn on Red Rule?
The RTOR rule allows drivers to make a right turn at a red traffic light after coming to a complete stop, provided the intersection is clear of pedestrians and oncoming traffic. This rule applies statewide unless a specific intersection is marked with a “No Turns On Red” sign.
Legal Requirements for Right Turn on Red
- Complete Stop Required: Drivers must come to a full and complete stop at the red light, before the crosswalk or stop line. Rolling through the light is illegal and dangerous.
- Yielding Right-of-Way: After stopping, drivers must yield to all pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk and any cross traffic traveling with a green light.
- Proceed Only When Safe: The turn can only be made if it does not endanger other vehicles or pedestrians. The law treats the red light as a yield sign in this context.
- Signage Restrictions: If a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted, turning right on red is strictly prohibited at that intersection. These signs are placed by municipal or county governments where safety concerns warrant them.
Key Provisions of the Tennessee Code
The Tennessee Code § 55-8-110 (2024) outlines the specifics:
- General Permission: Right turn on red is allowed at all intersections unless signage prohibits it.
- Full Stop: The vehicle must stop before the crosswalk or stop line, or before entering the intersection if neither is present.
- Yield to Pedestrians and Cross Traffic: The turning vehicle must yield to anyone lawfully in the intersection or crosswalk and to vehicles moving with a green light.
- No Turn on Red Signs: Local governments may install these signs at intersections where right turns on red are deemed unsafe.
Safety Considerations and Recent Trends
While RTOR improves traffic flow, recent studies highlight increased risks for pedestrians and cyclists, especially when drivers fail to stop completely or check thoroughly before turning.
Research cited in 2025 notes that intersections allowing RTOR experience higher rates of pedestrian and cyclist collisions. The risk is particularly high with larger vehicles like pickup trucks and SUVs, and as electric vehicles become more common, their rapid acceleration may further increase risks.
Some U.S. cities are now considering or implementing bans on RTOR to enhance pedestrian safety, reflecting a national conversation about the balance between convenience and safety. Tennessee, however, continues to permit RTOR with strict adherence to the stop-and-yield requirements.
Practical Tips for Drivers
- Always come to a complete stop at the red light, even if the intersection appears empty.
- Carefully check for pedestrians in all crosswalks and yield to them.
- Look for and obey any “No Turn on Red” signs.
- Treat the red light as a yield sign—proceed only when you are certain it is safe.
- Remain alert for cyclists and smaller vehicles that may be less visible.
Tennessee Right Turn on Red Rule (2025)
| Rule Component | Requirement/Condition |
|---|---|
| Complete Stop | Required before crosswalk/stop line/intersection |
| Yielding | Must yield to pedestrians and cross traffic with green signal |
| Signage | “No Turn on Red” signs prohibit RTOR at specific intersections |
| Safety | Do not proceed if turn endangers other road users |
| Enforcement | Rolling stops or ignoring signage can result in citations |
Tennessee’s right turn on red law in 2025 remains largely unchanged: it permits RTOR at most intersections, provided drivers stop completely, yield appropriately, and obey posted signs. However, heightened awareness of pedestrian safety and national trends suggest drivers should exercise extra caution and anticipate possible future restrictions. Always prioritize safety and compliance with posted signage to help ensure the well-being of all road users
Sources:
- https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-55/chapter-8/part-1/section-55-8-110/
- https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-55-motor-and-other-vehicles/tn-code-sect-55-8-110/
- https://internationaldriversassociation.com/nl/blog/right-turn-red-laws-usa/
- https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/operations_bureau/traffic_unit/safe_driving_tips/
- https://www.planetizen.com/news/2025/01/134026-why-right-turns-red-are-bad-traffic-safety
