As of 2025, Colorado’s rules regarding right turns on red remain rooted in long-standing state law, but local changes and heightened safety concerns are shaping the conversation about the future of this practice, especially in urban areas like Denver. Here’s a comprehensive look at what drivers need to know about right turns on red in Colorado, recent updates, and the context behind possible changes.
Current Law: Right Turn on Red in Colorado
- General Rule: In Colorado, drivers are allowed to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a posted sign specifically prohibits it.
- Yielding Requirements: Before turning, drivers must yield the right-of-way to:
- Pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk
- Other vehicles lawfully using the intersection
- Red Arrow Exception: If the traffic signal displays a solid red arrow (not just a circular red), right turns are not allowed until the arrow turns green, even if there is no posted sign.
- Local Authority: Municipalities can prohibit right turns on red at specific intersections, but they must post clear signage to indicate the restriction.
2025 Updates: What’s Changing?
- No Statewide Ban Yet: As of early 2025, Colorado has not enacted a statewide ban on right turns on red. The existing rule-right turn on red allowed unless signed otherwise-remains in effect.
- Denver’s Proposed Changes: Denver is at the forefront of reconsidering this rule. A city transition committee has recommended banning right turns on red citywide, citing pedestrian and cyclist safety. This aligns with Denver’s Vision Zero plan, which already calls for prohibiting right turns on red in high-traffic zones like downtown, Colfax, and the Lincoln and Broadway corridors.
- Pending Decisions: The final decision in Denver rests with city leadership. As of April 2025, the city is still evaluating whether to implement a citywide ban or restrict right turns on red in select areas.
Rationale for Change: Safety vs. Convenience
- Safety Concerns: Studies have shown that allowing right turns on red increases the risk of crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists-by as much as 40% to 107% according to some research. The primary safety issue is that drivers often focus on finding a gap in oncoming traffic and may overlook pedestrians or cyclists crossing from the right.
- National Trends: A growing number of U.S. cities-including Washington D.C. (ban effective 2025), Chicago, Seattle, and parts of California-are moving to ban right turns on red to reduce pedestrian fatalities, which have risen sharply nationwide since 2010.
- Driver Perspective: Many drivers value the convenience and time savings of right turns on red, especially in less congested areas. However, public sentiment in Denver appears to be shifting toward prioritizing safety, even at the cost of minor delays.
Key Rules for Drivers in 2025
- When Right Turn on Red is Allowed:
- Stop completely before the crosswalk or stop line.
- Yield to all pedestrians and cross traffic.
- Proceed only if the way is clear and there is no sign prohibiting the turn.
- When Right Turn on Red is Prohibited:
- When a posted sign says “No Turn on Red.”
- When facing a solid red arrow signal.
- At intersections where local ordinances have banned the maneuver and appropriate signage is present.
- No Obligation: Drivers are not required to turn right on red, even if it is permitted. It is always legal to wait for the green light if the driver does not feel safe turning.
Looking Ahead
While Colorado’s statewide rule remains unchanged, urban centers like Denver may soon see significant restrictions on right turns on red, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic. These changes reflect a broader national movement prioritizing vulnerable road users’ safety over driver convenience. Drivers should stay alert for new signage and local ordinances, especially as cities implement Vision Zero and other safety initiatives.
Right Turn on Red in Colorado (2025)
| Situation | Is Right Turn on Red Allowed? |
|---|---|
| No sign, circular red light | Yes, after stop and yield |
| “No Turn on Red” sign present | No |
| Solid red arrow displayed | No |
| Pedestrian in crosswalk | No, must yield |
| City/area with local ban (signed) | No |
Drivers are encouraged to check for updates from local transportation departments and always prioritize safety for all road users.
Sources:
- https://www.denver7.com/growing-number-of-cities-to-ban-right-turns-on-red-for-vehicles
- https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/right-turns-red-face-uncertain-future-denver/
- https://www.denver7.com/traffic/driving-you-crazy/driving-you-crazy-there-needs-to-be-a-right-turn-allowed-on-red-sign-at-lincoln-ave-park-meadows-dr
- https://transweb.sjsu.edu/research/2347-Pedestrian-Bicyclist-Safety-Intersections-Policy
- https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-42-vehicles-and-traffic/co-rev-st-sect-42-4-604/
