Pennsylvania is updating its Right Turn on Red (RTOR) law in 2025, introducing changes aimed at improving pedestrian safety and reducing intersection accidents. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what drivers need to know about the new rule, how it differs from previous regulations, and what to expect in terms of enforcement and penalties.
Current Right Turn on Red Rule
- Until the new rule takes effect, Pennsylvania law allows drivers to turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, provided the way is clear and there is no posted “No Turn on Red” sign.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians and cross-traffic before making the turn.
What’s Changing in 2025?
Effective Date:
- The updated RTOR rule will be implemented on June 5, 2025.
Key Changes:
- Full Stop Remains Mandatory: Drivers must continue to come to a complete stop at the red light before turning right.
- Yielding to Pedestrians: The new rule puts greater emphasis on yielding to pedestrians. Drivers must remain vigilant for anyone crossing or waiting to cross at intersections.
- Local Restrictions: Some intersections may have signs prohibiting right turns on red. Drivers must obey these signs as before.
Enforcement and Penalties:
- Grace Period: For the first year after the rule takes effect, law enforcement will issue warnings for violations instead of fines. This is intended to educate the public about the new requirements.
- Fines: After the warning period, violations will result in a $50 fine plus any applicable court fees.
Why the Rule Is Changing
Motivation:
- The primary goal is to address ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety and intersection collisions. While right turns on red help with traffic flow, they have been linked to increased risks for pedestrians if drivers fail to yield properly.
- The change is part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety statewide.
Public Awareness:
- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will launch a public awareness campaign to educate drivers about the updated rule and reinforce the importance of pedestrian safety.
How the New Rule Works: Step-by-Step
- Approach the Intersection:
- As you near a red light, check for any “No Turn on Red” signs. If present, you must wait for a green signal.
- Come to a Complete Stop:
- Stop before the marked stop line or crosswalk.
- Yield:
- Look for pedestrians in the crosswalk and yield to anyone crossing or preparing to cross.
- Yield to all cross-traffic and ensure the way is clear.
- Proceed with Caution:
- Only turn right when it is safe and legal to do so.
Additional Context: “Ride on Red” Law
- Pennsylvania’s existing “Ride on Red” law allows drivers to treat a malfunctioning or unresponsive traffic signal as a stop sign, proceeding with caution after stopping if the signal fails to change.
- This law remains in effect and is separate from the standard RTOR rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I turn right on red at every intersection?
A: No. You cannot turn right on red where a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted, or where local ordinances prohibit it.
Q: What happens if I don’t yield to pedestrians?
A: Failing to yield can result in a warning during the first year, and a $50 fine plus court fees thereafter.
Q: Are there exceptions for certain vehicles?
A: Some vehicles, such as those carrying hazardous materials or school buses, may have additional restrictions and must follow all posted signs and safety regulations.
Summary Table: Key Points of the 2025 RTOR Rule
| Requirement | Old Rule | New Rule (June 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Full stop before turning | Required | Required |
| Yield to pedestrians | Required | Stronger enforcement/emphasis |
| Obey “No Turn on Red” signs | Required | Required |
| Warning period for violations | Not applicable | 1 year |
| Fine for violations | Varies | $50 + court fees (after 1 year) |
| Public awareness campaign | Not specified | Yes |
Pennsylvania’s new Right Turn on Red rule, effective June 5, 2025, keeps the basic practice in place but increases the focus on pedestrian safety and responsible driving. Drivers must stop completely, yield to pedestrians, and obey all intersection signage. A one-year warning period will help drivers adjust before fines are enforced. Stay alert, follow the new guidelines, and watch for PennDOT’s public awareness efforts to ensure everyone’s safety on the road
Sources:
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/pennsylvania-drivers-manual/online-drivers-manual/signals.html
- https://www.cmlaw1.com/need-know-pennsylvanias-ride-red-law/
- https://munley.com/new-red-light-law-takes-effect-pennsylvania/
- https://wilklawfirm.com/blog/pennsylvania-right-of-way-laws/
- https://www.kglonews.com/pennsylvanias-new-right-turn-on-red-rule-what-drivers-need-to-know/
They need to enforce the no-turn on red at the intersection of 22 & Mini Mall Road in Ebensburg, PA where it is NO TURN ON RED between 10:00 am & 10:00 pm. No one is obeying. Someone beeped at me to go & I wouldn’t because I would be the one to get pulled over. I never turn on ref there.
Right Tammi
What if there is a sign that say right turn signal at a light?
Hello Linda,
You can turn right if the green signals shows right signal but there must be green signal not red.
Hi,
I encountered a sign, “Right Turn Signal” at a traffic light near exit 44 of Rte 81. I took it to mean ‘wait for the right turn signal to indicate it’s ok to go’.
The driver behind me honked frequently & ultimately drove around me through the red light. Was I allowed to turn, or was waiting the correct thing to do here?
Can you turn left on a one way street on red?
Yes when light turns from Red to green.
What is the difference between. Wait for Green and No Turn on Red? If they mean the same why the different signs?
It also means you have wait for pedestrians too.