Maryland’s rules regarding right turns on red lights remain largely unchanged as of 2025, but ongoing public debate and legislative trends in neighboring jurisdictions make it important for drivers to fully understand current law and best practices.
What Is the Current Law?
In Maryland, drivers are allowed to make a right turn at a red light unless a sign specifically prohibits it. However, this permission comes with strict requirements:
- You must come to a complete stop before the stop line. If there is no marked stop line, stop before the crosswalk; if there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection.
- You must yield to pedestrians and cyclists in the crosswalk and to any vehicles in or approaching the intersection that would pose a hazard.
- Only after fulfilling these conditions may you cautiously enter the intersection and make the right turn.
The law does not require you to turn right on red; it only allows you to do so if it is safe and legal. If you choose not to turn, you are not violating any rule.
Key Steps for Turning Right on Red in Maryland
- Stop completely at the marked stop line, before the crosswalk, or before the intersection if neither is present.
- Look for signs that prohibit right turns on red. If a sign is present, you must obey it.
- Yield to all pedestrians and cyclists in the crosswalk.
- Yield to all vehicles in or approaching the intersection that could create a hazard.
- Proceed with the turn only when it is safe.
When Is Right Turn on Red Prohibited?
- If there is a posted sign stating “No Turn on Red.”
- If pedestrians or cyclists are in the crosswalk.
- If another vehicle is approaching and turning would be unsafe.
Left Turn on Red
Maryland allows a left turn on red only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, and the same rules about stopping and yielding apply.
Safety Concerns and Public Debate
Recent years have seen growing concern about the safety of right turns on red, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. Critics argue that drivers may focus on checking for vehicular traffic and overlook people crossing the street, increasing the risk of accidents. This has led to calls for reform, especially in urban areas with heavy foot and bicycle traffic.
Some cities, such as Washington, D.C., have already moved to ban right turns on red at most intersections starting January 1, 2025, citing improved pedestrian safety. Maryland, however, has not enacted such a ban, though the topic remains under discussion.
Why Does the Rule Exist?
The right turn on red rule was widely adopted in the 1970s to improve traffic flow and reduce fuel consumption by minimizing idle time at intersections. It remains popular for its efficiency benefits, but safety advocates continue to push for stricter controls or outright bans in high-risk areas.
Enforcement and Penalties
Failure to stop completely before turning right on red, or making the turn when prohibited by signage, can result in a traffic citation. Even if no sign is present, not coming to a full stop or failing to yield to pedestrians and other vehicles is grounds for a ticket and liability in the event of a collision.
Comparison with Neighboring Jurisdictions
| Jurisdiction | Right Turn on Red Allowed? | Key Restrictions/Changes in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | Yes | Must stop, yield, and obey signage |
| Washington, D.C. | No (as of Jan 1, 2025) | Ban at most intersections, with exceptions for signed locations |
| Virginia | Yes | Similar rules to Maryland |
- Maryland still allows right turns on red in 2025, provided drivers stop completely, yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, and obey any posted signs prohibiting the maneuver.
- Safety concerns are fueling debate about whether the rule should be changed, especially as neighboring D.C. implements a near-total ban.
- Drivers must remain vigilant and prioritize safety, especially in urban areas with heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Staying informed about local rules and any future updates is essential for all Maryland drivers.
Sources:
- https://www.reddit.com/r/maryland/comments/1fz0hw1/maryland_state_law_about_right_on_red_lights
- https://answers.justia.com/question/2025/03/26/am-i-at-fault-for-turning-right-on-a-red-1054630
- https://mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/maryland-traffic-rule-2025-update-understanding-the-right-turn-on-red-rule/
- https://wjla.com/news/local/dmv-new-laws-2025-washington-dc-bans-right-turns-at-red-lights-ddot-drivers-january-1-council-transportation-traffic-signage-public-education-campaign-cars-vehicles-police-accidents-crashed-pedestrian-cross-walks-tickets-fines
- https://wtop.com/local/2024/12/new-laws-going-into-effect-across-dc-maryland-and-virginia-on-jan-1-2025/
